SHARE

Nathaniel Phillips’ agent has revealed the Liverpool defender will not be a topic of discussion at Napoli as they are close to signing Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe.

The Red Devils allowed the centre-back to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal in the last window. He has seen his playing time restricted since Steven Gerrard replaced Dean Smith at Villa Park in November, managing only eight minutes from two appearances.

Earlier on Monday, we covered claims made by Corriere dello Sport that the Manchester United owned player has ‘packed his bags’ ahead of his impending loan move to the Naples club.

Colin Murdock, the representative of the Liverpool defender, also managed Tuanzebe in the past. The agent now claims his former client’s expected transfer to Napoli has ended the Reds centre-back’s chances of joining the Italian side.

“Napoli have taken Axel Tuanzebe, our former client, on loan, so I think they have finished their operations as regards the role of central defender. Therefore, I don’t think we need further comments on Nathaniel Phillips,” Murdock told Area Napoli.

Phillips is yet to feature for Liverpool in the league this season. Jürgen Klopp has handed him only three appearances, out of which two came in the Champions League.