Napoli could take Man Utd man away from Steven Gerrard

Napoli are eyeing a swoop for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, according to reports.

The 24-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at Aston Villa but has played just eight minutes since Steven Gerrard replaced Dean Smith as manager.

Although the Villans boss will want to add, rather than lose, players from his squad ahead of a big second half of the season, Tuttomercatoweb report that Napoli have made contact with United in order to take over the loan agreement until the summer.

It’s claimed that a deal will be agreed and that the former England Under-21 international will make the move to Italy if the Naples side meet the Red Devils’ requirements.

Tuanzebe has been associated with Manchester United since the age of 8.

The defender will be handed the big task of being the short-term replacement for star man Kalidou Kouibaly, who will miss the next month due to representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Tuanzebe is currently experiencing a third loan at Villa after spells with the Midlands side in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons.

He was a regular under Smith in the first few months of the campaign, playing in seven of the first 11 Premier League games.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo-born player made his debut for United in January 2017 and has made 37 appearances in all competitions for the Old Trafford club.