Aston Villa transfer round-up: Tuanzebe departure and ex striker identifies ‘great’ replacement centre-back

Aston Villa are set to lose loanee Axel Tuanzebe in the next few days with the centre-back on the verge of joining Napoli on loan for the remainder of the season.

According to reports from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tuanzebe’s departure from Villa is close to being confirmed, with an agreement between Napoli and the defender’s parent club Manchester United agreed.

The Italian club will pay an initial €600k loan fee for the 24-year-old, while United will earn an additional €400k if Gli Azzurri qualify for the Champions League and a further €200k if Tuanzebe makes a set number of appearances.

Another point to note is that the move will be a ‘straight loan’ with no option for the Serie A club to buy the centre-back from the Red Devils at the end of the campaign.

Tuanzebe’s game-time during his third spell with Villa has only seen him make 11 appearances in all competitions for the club - a number that United would’ve preferred to be higher.

However, former Villa striker Kevin Phillips has identified a ‘great’ replacement for Gerrard - Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-England international said the following regarding what and who he thinks Gerrard needs during the January transfer window.

“He’ll definitely need a new centre-back,” Phillips said.

“Whether Joe Gomez happens, I’m not sure. It’d be a great signing.”

The 48-year-old also mentioned that a center-back should be a priority for Gerrard, despite the Villa boss telling Sky Sport on December 31 that he wants to keep Tuanzebe at the club.

Phillips said: “When managers speak like that, ultimately it looks like the player will be moving on. Then, it will be a priority to get a centre-half through the doors.

“In that area, it just depends on whether they go for someone with experience or someone who’s a bit younger that they want to keep at the club.

“But they definitely need another one through the door when one leaves, that’s for sure.“

Gomez has seen minimal game-time this season at Anfield with a total of 10 appearances across three competitions so far.

A move to Villa Park would see the 24-year-old compete with Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause for a place in Gerrard’s starting 11.

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