Liverpool star Nathaniel Phillips wanted by Newcastle, West Ham and Watford in late January transfer swoop

NEWCASTLE and West Ham are engaged in a transfer battle for Liverpool star Nathaniel Phillips, according to reports.

The Magpies are determined to sign a defender this month having had several bids rejected for Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and now Dan Burns.

Newcastle have already had a loan offer with an obligation to buy Phillips turned down by Liverpool.

Despite that the Magpies are still keen to sign the 24-year-old, according to The Independent, who also report West Ham's interest.

The Reds are not willing to let him leave on the cheap having rejected a £7million bid from Watford for his services.

But given the interest in Phillips and the fact he has fallen down the pecking order - making just three appearances this season - it is believed he will leave before the end of the window.

West Ham identified Phillips as a player they wanted to buy following injuries to Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

But with Zouma returning to fitness it is possible the Hammers view signing a centre-back as less of a priority now.

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Newcastle had a £10m bid for Burn rejected by Brighton but Toon could return to the south coast club in an attempt to sign Adam Webster.

And their transfer activity is unlikely to stop there with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen now on the radar.

An ambitious move for Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller has also been mooted with Jesse Lingard said to be angered by Manchester United blocking his move to St. James' Park.

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