Liverpool defender expected to leave in January

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips is expected to pursue a fresh challenge else when the transfer window reopens.

The 24-year-old was hugely instrumental for the Reds last term as they clinched the final Champions League spot.

With injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, he was a pivotal figure in central defence under Jurgen Klopp.

Despite this, he has fallen down the pecking order this term. Van Dijk and Matip have been the regular pairing at the back.

The Merseyside giants also signed Ibrahima Konate over the summer, who has also been preferred ahead of Phillip this season.

According to The Mirror, the centre-back is ready to leave the Reds in January, having played just 134 minutes this term.

Newcastle United and Burnley were linked with his services earlier this year. The former could now be favourites to land him.

The Magpies are expected to go on a spending spree after their takeover from a Saudi-led consortium earlier in October.