Liverpool are set to recall Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Championship side Blackpool - with interest growing in Nat Phillips before next week's transfer deadline.
Williams has made 17 appearances for the Tangerines since agreeing a season-long spell in the summer, although he has featured only once in the last five games.
The Reds have been happy with the first-team experience gained by the 21-year-old, particularly after a difficult loan spell at Swansea City last campaign in which he featured on only seven occasions before being recalled.
READ MORE: Thiago admits Liverpool must accept 'reality' of Premier League situation
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo transfer sums up Liverpool's painful transition
Williams, who played 19 times for Liverpool during a breakthrough 2020/21 season, would go straight back into the Reds' first-team squad and offer an option at centre-back with Virgil van Dijk still sidelined by a hamstring injury.
And the return of the youngster would also cover for the possible departure of Phillips in this month's transfer window.
Phillips has been restricted to just seven appearances this campaign, the most recent of which came as a substitute in the FA Cup third round replay win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.
The 25-year-old, who helped Bournemouth to promotion to the Premier League when on loan on the south coast for the second half of last season, is of interest to a number of clubs, with Liverpool expecting that to become concrete with offers before the transfer deadline on Tuesday week.
READ NEXT:
- Alisson Becker rejects Liverpool form theory in 'honest' admission over changes
- Stefan Bajcetic admits Klopp decision left him 'shocked' before Liverpool draw
- Liverpool's next six PL fixtures compared to Newcastle, Man Utd and Spurs
- Jurgen Klopp and Alisson fume as John Terry sings own Chelsea song in away end
- QIA 'willing to walk away' from FSG talks as John Henry sent clear message
