Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe thrived during his loan spell at Aston Villa last season as his parent club are now reportedly keen on West Ham United’s Issa Diop.
Axel Tuanzebe of Aston Villa
West Ham United defender Issa Diop could potentially be heading to Manchester United this summer, and it would mean Aston Villa promotion winner Axel Tuanzebe will face even more defensive competition.
Sky Sports have reported that Manchester United are willing to pay £45 million plus a player to West Ham for their star centre-back, as the London club will not listen to offers below £60 million.
This potential deal, if it gets over the line that is and there is a long way to go, should be of a huge interest to Aston Villa fans and the future of Tuanzebe.
The Sun previously claimed that the 21-year-old centre-back will be handed a new contract at Old Trafford and the chance to impress the coaching team during pre-season.
But surely the ball-playing defender would fall further down the pecking order at the Manchester club if Diop puts pen-to-paper because it would be very difficult to see him jump ahead of a player who is more proven in the Premier League than he is and someone who has just been purchased for big money.
Many Aston Villa supporters would love to see Tuanzebe return to the club, whether on a temporary deal or on a permanent basis. The preference, of course, would be the latter.
There’s no doubt that given his performances in the Championship for Villa last term that he will be provided with a chance to impress those at his parent club, but his task will be made difficult if another high-profile centre-back walks through the Old Trafford doors.
Whilst the current crop at United aren’t doing much to impress the fans, they are still there and just for now, well until the transfer window shuts, Villa will be clinging on to the hope that Tuanzebe does return to the Midlands.
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