SCOTT Parker has played down any hopes of Cherries re-signing Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips ahead of next week's transfer deadline.

Phillips had a huge impact during his loan stint at Cherries in the second half of last season, playing 17 times in the Championship as Parker's men secured a return to the Premier League.

Speculation has linked the 25-year-old with a move back to Vitality Stadium for much of this summer, with Parker regularly stating his desire for further arrivals at centre-back.

Asked by the Daily Echo in May whether he could return to Cherries this season, Phillips said: "I can’t rule anything out. But ultimately it comes down to, it’s not just me.

"There’s various conversations that need to be had involving Bournemouth, Liverpool and whoever."

He added: "I’m so grateful that I made the decision to come here (in January).

"I’ve enjoyed my time so much.

"It’s been brilliant. I’ve loved every minute of it.

"But I’ve enjoyed that challenge and I’ve enjoyed playing regular football."

But following an injury to centre-back Ibrahima Konate, Phillips has been bumped up the pecking order at Liverpool. At the time, boss Jurgen Klopp said Konate's injury would "probably" influence outgoing transfers at the club.

Phillips started the club's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier this month and was named on the bench for Monday night's defeat to Manchester United.

Asked if there was any chance of getting Phillips back at Cherries, Parker told the Daily Echo: "I think that’s probably a difficult one.

"Nat’s at a football team that when you’re there, you probably don’t want to leave. That’s the facts.

"When you’re at the top clubs, you don’t want to be jumping out of there too quick, certainly when you see opportunity. At this moment, Nat is right in there. He’s played some games really as well.

"He was a massive part of what we did, back-end last year.

"We brought him in in January and he was a driving force for us in getting promoted.

"An unbelievable professional, exceptional player in his moments.

"So who knows? But certainly at this moment, I’m sure he’s happy putting the red shirt on and playing for Liverpool."

Cherries head to Anfield to face Klopp's Reds on Saturday (3pm).

The transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday, September 1.