3 reasons why Leeds United finalising summer transfer swoop for Liverpool player would make sense | OneFootball

Leeds United’s automatic promotion push will go down to the final day, as they battle Ipswich Town to join Leicester City in the Premier League.

So, it promises to be a tense, dramatic final week for the Whites, and worryingly for Daniel Farke’s men, their fate is not in their own hands, as the Tractor Boys know that four points from their two games will be enough to get over the line, condemning Leeds to the play-offs.

4 Leeds United summer plans

That uncertainty doesn’t help the recruitment team at Elland Road, who will no doubt be drawing up two lists of targets ahead of next season.

However, it’s claimed by the Sunday Mirror that one player Leeds could move for, regardless of what division they’re in, is Nat Phillips.

The centre-back is contracted to Liverpool, but he has enjoyed an impressive few months on loan at Cardiff City, with his form seemingly making Leeds take notice.

The prospect of signing the 27-year-old has divided opinion among the Leeds fan base, but here we outline THREE reasons why bringing Phillips to the club would be a shrewd move…

3 He has big club experience

We know that playing for Leeds can be demanding - and there’s nothing wrong with that.

They’re a big club, and there’s an expectation that comes with pulling on the white shirt, and it’s something that has been an issue for some players over the years.

But, this wouldn’t be a problem for Phillips. He has played for Liverpool over the years, including in the Champions League, and he also had a loan spell at Celtic.

The defender did struggle at Parkhead, but he will have benefited from that experience, and turning out for clubs like Liverpool and Celtic means Phillips would be capable of dealing with the pressure at Leeds.

2 He brings physicality to the defence

when his deal expires in the summer.

But, it’s not just about getting anyone through the door, as they require a player who is physically dominant and capable of bringing some steel to the backline, which Phillips can do.

The former Stuttgart loanee is a traditional centre-back in the sense that he relishes a battle with a striker, and he will do the simple things well in terms of winning his headers and making clearances.

In fairness, Leeds have defended well on the whole this season, but the Friday night hammering at QPR was a reminder that Leeds can sometimes have a soft centre. Again, Phillips could bring toughness and strength to the side.

Finally, Phillips should be available for a relatively reasonable price this summer, as he is way down the pecking order at Anfield, and he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract.

If Leeds remain in the Championship, they will be operating on a strict budget, so it could be about identifying bargains. But, even if they do go up, they will still want to be smart when it comes to adding to the group.

And, whilst we don’t know exactly what sort of fee would be needed to sign Phillips, it’s unlikely to be out of reach. A big summer awaits, and this could be the sort of unheralded transfer that turns out to be excellent business.