Leeds United are getting closer to signing a player hailed as “exceptional” by Jurgen Klopp.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Leed United are in the “final stage” of talks to bring a player formerly hailed as “exceptional” to Elland Road this summer.
What is the most recent Leeds United transfer news?
The Peacocks have had a difficult few months. While relegation from the Premier League would be enough drama for most clubs, Leeds has had to deal with relegation, a protracted takeover process, and a player exodus all at the same time.
And it appears like another name will be added to that list shortly, with the report that Willy Gnonto, a 19-year-old Italian international, has already signed to a five-year agreement with Everton but has declined to play for the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for Daniel Farke‘s side, as Ethan Ampadu has joined from Chelsea in a £7 million deal, Joe Rodon has joined on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Kar Darlow has joined from Newcastle United in a £400,000 deal.
Things might get even better, with The Athletic claiming last week that the club was also interested in bringing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips to the club, with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti offering even more excellent news regarding this particular agreement.
What has Rudy Galetti said about Nat Phillips and Leeds United?
Galetti is sure that the talks between the teams are positive and “progressing at a good pace” because Liverpool is eager to let the player depart this summer.
Any deal, though, will almost certainly cost The Whites £10 million.
“After saying goodbye to Maximilian Wober to Borussia Monchengladbach, Leeds targeted Phillips as a reinforcement as a new centre-back for the season,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“The talks between Leeds and Liverpool are progressing well and are nearing the end.” They only need to go over certain critical elements of the proposal on the table, which is estimated to cost roughly £10 million with add-ons.
“For Liverpool, he is not a key player to have in the squad this season, so they are completely open to letting him go, and there is confidence that the deal will be completed soon.”
How old is Nat Phillips?
Born on March 21, 1997, in Bolton, England, the 26-year-old has battled for game time on Merseyside but has demonstrated his quality in the few appearances he has had and during loan spells away from the club.
He would be an excellent addition for West Yorkshire, having previously played in the Championship for high-flying Bournemouth, where he was important in their promotion back to the Premier League.
He joined the team in the second half of the season, and after making his debut, he became a near-permanent fixture in the Cherries backline.
According to WhoScored, he started 17 games for the club in the second half of the season, averaged 0.7 shots per game, had an 81.9% passing accuracy, won 4.8 aerial duals per game, and had a fairly good match rating of 7.01.
While he has struggled to find game time at Liverpool, manager Klopp is a huge fan of the 6 foot 3 colossus, waxing poetic about his skills and character, saying:
“People admire him for his leadership, but his feet are incredible.” He’s a late bloomer, but his progress has been incredible. I would sign him for any club other than Liverpool because we already have him.
“It is obvious that we cannot retain him forever. For that half-year, we needed him just to be safe. We’ll observe what happens through the window. He was fine with that because he’s a wonderful person.”
He may not be the most glamorous signing, but given his outstanding performances in the second tier last season and Klopp‘s glowing endorsements, Leeds and Farke should do everything in their power to get him to Elland Road this summer.
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