LONDON - Former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville has been appointed as Valencia's assistant manager.

Although the former England full-back has denied any deal has been signed, the 38-year-old is expected to work for Peter Lim's project with the Spanish club.

The Singaporean billionaire bought them last year before Nuno Espirito Santo, the club's Portuguese head coach, guided them to a Champions League return.

Valencia stated on their official website on Sunday: "Valencia are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Neville as assistant manager of the first team, joining the coaching staff headed by Nuno Espirito Santo.

"Neville offers a wealth of footballing knowledge to a club in constant growth."

Lim has a connection with Neville through the Northern Premier League side Salford City.

Neville, along with his former United team-mates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and elder brother Gary, are the joint owners of Salford along with Lim, who bought a 50 per cent stake in the club last year.

Neville has been working as a pundit for the BBC since his coaching spell at United came to an abrupt end in May last year.

He worked for David Moyes at Old Trafford but was not retained when Louis van Gaal became the manager.

Santo, who was appointed as Valencia coach last summer, said: "Phil Neville has great experience at the top level of competition but, above all, he has knowledge and values that fit perfectly with our team and our club.

"He has always been a team player, and our philosophy is based on teamwork. We are - and want to continue to be - a group. I am convinced he is going to help us a lot."

Neville will replace Ian Cathro, the highly-rated Scot who has agreed in principle to work for Steve McClaren as the assistant manager at Newcastle United.

Last season, Santo and Cathro guided Valencia to fourth in the Spanish La Liga and a qualification spot for the Champions League.

THE GUARDIAN