West Ham United have touched base with Liverpool to register their interest in Nat Phillips, according to a report.
The 24-year-old impressed under Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool's defensive crisis last term, but his first-team opportunities at Anfield could be few and far between this season.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are making progress in their respective recoveries from long-term injuries, while Ibrahima Konate's arrival from RB Leipzig has also bolstered the Reds' defensive ranks.
An intense battle for Phillips's signature could therefore commence this summer, and The Athletic reports that West Ham have made contact with Liverpool over the defender.
The report claims that Liverpool are hopeful of garnering a fee of £15m for Phillips's sale, but Bayer Leverkusen, Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United are all monitoring developments as well.
Phillips made 20 appearances in all competitions for Klopp's side last term, and his Anfield deal is due to expire in 2023.
Ben Knapton
