Phillips issues verdict on Aston Villa replacing Tuanzebe with Gomez after confession
Joe Gomez would be a perfect replacement for Axel Tuanzebe at centre-back for Aston Villa if he decides to cut short his loan deal.
So says ex-Aston Villa goalscorer Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Steven Gerrard’s revealing recent remarks.
Per Sky Sports last Friday (31 December), the boss admitted “we would be delighted to keep [Tuanzebe]” and “we just hope we have the opportunity.”
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted the next day that his parent club, Man United, have verbally agreed to send the 24-year-old on loan to Napoli.
The Athletic reported last month (22 December) that Liverpool defender Gomez, also 24, is admired by Villa.
Phillips claimed that Gomez would be the perfect addition if Tuanzebe is indeed about to call time on his Villa Park loan deal.
“He’ll definitely need a new centre-back,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Whether Joe Gomez happens, I’m not sure. It’d be a great signing.
“But 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.“
Tuanzebe has made just six league starts since his move from United in August.
Gomez meanwhile has just three appearances for Liverpool, all as a substitute, in the same competition.
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