Report: Liverpool reject two bids for Phillips

Two unsung heroes from last season could be heading in different directions in the January transfer window according to reports.

Nat Phillips remains a player of considerable interest to teams in the second half of the Premier League table.

The central defender has has only made three appearances for the Reds in this campaign as Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have returned to senior action after lengthy injuries.

Currently Phillips is out of action with a fractured cheekbone suffered during his last appearance for the club at the San Siro against AC Milan last month.

The Echo reports that the club have rejected two bids during this window, one is believed to be from Watford and more interest is expected to come in the next few days.

Fellow perennial strugglers in Burnley and Newcastle have also had interest in Phillips while a move by West Ham was also mooted due to their own injury issues at centre back.

So while Phillips maybe slowly heading to the exit door, there is set to be a familiar face return with the club cutting short the loan spell of Rhys Williams at Swansea.

The 20 year-old who signed a long-term deal in the summer was loaned out to the Welsh club in August as the club wanted him to continue his learning curve and get more first team experience under his belt.

But to this stage of the season, Williams has only made seven appearances (five in the league) with Swans manager Russell Martin outlining the difficult position.

“We’ve been really honest with Liverpool about the opportunities Rhys has had and the potential opportunities he has moving forward, so the ball is in their court.

“We can’t send him back…That’s the danger of doing loans. The parent club is always in control, to an extent. I think Rhys is in contact with them constantly about what’s happening."

Despite his lack of first team opportunities, Martin was full of praise of his professionalism and general attitude.

“I think the frustrating thing for Rhys is that he’s really happy here, he’s enjoying training, he feels he’s improved, but the one disappointing thing for him is that he’s had limited opportunities.”