Eddie Howe headed into the January transfer window wanting to bring two centre-backs in through the door at St James’ Park.
In the end he got just one in the shape of Dan Burn, who arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion just before the transfer window slammed shut.
They were though also in the market for Liverpool defender Phillips.
Newcastle wanted to sign Phillips on a loan deal, with a commitment to signing him on a permanent basis if they retain their Premier League status.
It is suggested that Newcastle’s commitment to buy fee for Phillips was judged not to be high enough.
Liverpool and Phillips then are claimed to have prioritised playing time by sending him to Bournemouth.
The Cherries have paid Liverpool a loan fee of £1.5m, plus will pay a further £250,000 if they win promotion from the Championship
Bournemouth sit in third spot in the Championship at present and are only one point outside the automatic promotion sports.
