West Ham United are not deterred in their pursuit of Liverpool defender Nat Phillips in the January transfer window despite the former Bolton Wanderers youngster picking up an injury.
The 24-year-old Bolton-born defender came through the youth ranks at Wanderers but left in the summer of 2016 having not made a first team appearance for the club.
He later joined the Anfield club's youth set up and began to train with the first team in 2018.
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He burst onto the scene with the Liverpool first team in earnest last season, making 20 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side last season amid a central defensive injury crisis.
But this season, Phillips has made just four appearances for the Reds, one of which came against Wanderers in the Papa John's Trophy group stage where he captained Liverpool to a 4-1 loss.
He is currently recovering from a fractured cheekbone which he suffered in the Champions League versus AC Milian, but could return to training with the Anfield club this week.
Speculation has surrounded the future of defender Phillips who, despite having a contract at Liverpool until 2025, appears likely to depart Anfield next month.
Liverpool reportedly want £10m for Phillips and will only entertain a permanent move away instead of a loan.
And though he has recently picked up an injury, the Evening Standard reports that West Ham are still willing to continue with their efforts to sign Phillips.
David Moyes needs cover in the heart of defence due to long-term injuries sustained by Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.
