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Liverpool youngster Rhys Williams was sent out on loan to Swansea this season
The 20-year-old has only been afforded five starts by Swans boss Russell Martin
Reports suggest Liverpool are now set to bring him back to Anfield this month
His return will allow Nat Phillips to seal a move away from the club in January

Published: 04:02 EDT, 19 January 2022 | Updated: 04:02 EDT, 19 January 2022

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Liverpool are reportedly set to cut Rhys Williams' loan at Swansea short amid his lack of game time with the Championship club this season.

Williams, 20, emerged from the Reds' academy to make 19 senior appearances last term and was hoping to play regular first-team football after joining Swansea until the end of the campaign.

However, Swans boss Russell Martin has so far afforded him just four starts in the league, along with one in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool are set to cut Rhys Williams' loan at Swansea short amid his lack of game time

As a result, Goal claim Liverpool are now planning to recall the young defender from his loan spell as they feel his development would be best served operating as a fifth-choice centre-back under Jurgen Klopp.

His return would pave the way for fellow-defender Nat Phillips to depart Anfield this month, with the 24-year-old attracting interest from a host of clubs.

Watford are understood to have already seen a loan offer for Phillips which included an obligation to make the move permanent this summer rejected by Liverpool.

The Reds instead want to receive a straight £15million sale in January, which they feel is a fair valuation.

The Reds feel Williams' development would be best served under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield

The youngster's return would pave the way for fellow defender Nat Phillips to leave this month

West Ham are reportedly long-term admirers of Phillips, yet David Moyes is said to be targeting a defender who can also provide cover at left-back this month.

Burnley are another Premier League club eyeing a move amid doubts over James Tarkowski's future, while Phillips is also believed to have admirers in the Bundesliga.

Like Williams, the Liverpool academy graduate helped provide cover when Klopp was rocked by a defensive injury crisis at Anfield last season, making 20 senior appearances and a further three this term.