Watford enter race to sign Liverpool centre-back

Watford have reportedly joined West Ham United in the race to sign Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips.

The 24-year-old played a huge role in the Reds' top-four finish last season after injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Despite this, he has failed to secure regular game time this term. Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are preferred ahead of him.

According to Football Insider, Phillips is likely to leave the Reds this month despite being sidelined for two more weeks with a broken cheekbone.

The Hornets are keen on strengthening their backline this month. Claudio Ranieri has identified Phillips as an option to boost their survival.

It is unclear whether Phillips will accept their proposal. West Ham and Newcastle have also been linked, and he may delay his transfer decision.

Liverpool are likely to demand around £12-15m for the defender, who has been with them since 2016. His only loan spell has been with Stuttgart.