Liverpool are poised to end Rhys Williams' loan spell at Swansea prematurely, after a lack of game time for the defender.
Williams was loaned out to the Swans back in August, with the intention for him to get regular action given the return to fitness of a number of first-choice centre-halves at his parent club, plus the arrival of Ibrahima Konate.
But the temporary spell in Wales has been nothing short of a disaster.
The 20-year-old has played just seven times, starting only four Championship games.
Speaking last week about Williams' struggles to hold down a regular place, Swansea boss Russell Martin said: "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.
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“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.
“He’s wanted to play more and I’m pretty sure Liverpool feel the same way, so we’ll have to see what happens with that one, but that’s down to them.”
Now, Reds' boss Jurgen Klopp is ready to pull the plug on the arrangement and that he feels Williams would be best served as being back-up to the first team.
Williams, who signed a new long-term contract in the summer, came to prominence last season when Liverpool suffered an injury crisis at centre-half. Talisman Virgil van Dijk and fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all missed portions of the campaign.
It thrust Williams and Nat Phillips into the limelight, with the pair making a total of 39 first team appearances - but both have fallen down the pecking order this term.
Now, Goal report that Phillips could be heading for the Anfield exit door in his quest for regular action.
Watford are understood to be interested in the 24-year-old, who has been restricted to just three outings this season and who has only recently returned to training after suffering a fractured cheekbone.
West Ham and Burnley are other top flight sides linked with a move for Phillips before the transfer window closes on January 31.
Two bids have already been rejected for the wantaway defender, with Liverpool holding out for a fee closer to their £15million valuation.
Speaking about his future back in December, Phillips told Sky Sports : "I want to be playing games. It's been tough because the competition to get in this team is fierce.
"I'm going to see what comes along (in January) and go from there.
"I think at this moment in time it's unlikely that I'll be playing lots of games for Liverpool, so if an opportunity arises where I get the chance to do that somewhere else and it suits everyone then it's certainly something I'd be interested in."
