Liverpool’s stand-in boss Phil Thompson has today refuted rumours that AC Milan defender Taribo West is set to join the club.
Speaking on the clubs official website, Thompson rubbished claims from the Nigerian international that his arrival on Merseyside was imminent.
"Taribo West will not be signing for Liverpool. I have seen what he has said but I can tell you that it won't be happening."
Nigerian international defender Taribo West had reportedly told a local radio station in Lagos today that he was on the verge of signing for the Anfield club.
"But for (Gerard) Houllier's illness, I would have signed a four-year contract with Liverpool this week. Everything has been sorted out and all I needed do was bring down my stuff from Milan," West told Rhythm FM.
The defender, who helped Nigeria win the 1996 Olympic title in Atlanta, is still surplus to requirement at Italian giants AC Milan, who he joined in 1999 on a two-and-a-half year deal. He spent most of last season on loan with Derby County in the Premiership.
The 27-year-old West started his career in Europe aged 19 years with French outfit Auxerre, where he had four successful years winning a title and two French Cups before moving to Inter Milan in Italy with whom he won the UEFA Cup in 1998. - AFP and PA