Watford manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed he likes Liverpool defender Nat Phillips amid recent transfer speculation. Speaking during a Watford press conference ahead of their match on Friday against Norwich City,
Claudio Ranieri said: “My club is always watching around the world if there is something interesting for the squad, for the future. I’m okay, I’m okay, but of course, I leave everything open to my club.”
He was then asked more specifically about the Liverpool defender.
Claudio Ranieri said: “I like, a lot, [Nat] Phillips. Now we are very very full of defenders. Until the end of the market, everything could happen. I’m an open mind, an open man, if something arises who can help us, I appreciate that.”
The manager did then confirm, however, that any new defensive signing would also hinge all the club’s ability to offload some of the current players. One player who seems almost certain to join the club in the coming weeks is Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu. The Nigerian is believed to be close to joining, but Ranieri made clear the deal was not quite over the line just yet.
Claudio Ranieri said: “It’s not close 100 per cent. But for this reason, I said, if the club think he’s good for us, or for now, for the future, we are ready to train with him.”
With these deals yet to be confirmed, Watford fans will likely have to be content with the squad they currently have to face Norwich in tomorrow’s game. Fortunately, the Hornets have no fresh injuries. This means the three new signings could all be set to feature again after impressing in their first appearance for the club. Speaking about Samir, Kamara, and Edo Kayembe,
Claudio Ranieri said: “After the first match, they trained very well during the week. They recovered very well. And they are ready, I hope, to show, the same performance, the same strength, the same quality.
