Liverpool demand £15m Nat Phillips transfer fee from Bournemouth with Fulham wanting Neco Williams back next season too

LIVERPOOL want £15million for defender Nat Phillips after his successful loan spell at Bournemouth.

The centre-half became a cult hero at Anfield two seasons ago as he was thrust into the limelight by the Reds’ unprecedented spate of injuries.

But the returns of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez – plus the signing of Ibrahima Konate – left him well down the pecking order this term.

Phillips joined Bournemouth on loan in January and has been instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League.

Now the Cherries are desperate to keep hold of him for their return to the top-flight next season.

But Phillips his held in very high regard by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, and will not be allowed to leave

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Klopp made a point of congratulating him on his promotion in a press conference following Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final win over Villarreal.

And, with three years remaining on Phillips’ contract, the Reds will want £15m to sell up.

Fulham face a similar situation and bill for Wales right-back Neco Williams.

The 21-year-old defender is capped 18 times for Wales and spent the second half of the season on loan at Fulham.

Similarly to Phillips, his introduction at the Cottagers proved important as Marco Silva’s side won the Championship title bouncing straight back to the Premier League.

WIlliams made 14 league appearances for Fulham, netting two goals and registering a further two assists.

The right-back is likely to get more first-team opportunities at the West London side than at Liverpool and therefore he could be open to a transfer.

Fulham also hold an interest in Ryan Fredericks, who will depart West Ham and become a free agent.

He will be a cheaper and more experienced option than Williams.