Aston Villa are on red alert with Premier League rivals Manchester United ready to send Axel Tuanzebe out on loan for the 2021/22 season, as reported by the Express & Star.
While Villa have spent much of the summer being linked with Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, the smart money is on another member of Dean Smith’s 2018/19 promotion-winning squad returning for a second spell in claret and blue.
Because, while Chelsea want £40 million for Abraham, Manchester United won’t stand in Tuanzebe’s way if Aston Villa offer the talented centre-half another chance to make his mark on loan in the Second City.
The Midlands giants may have made Emile Smith Rowe their number one target in this transfer window but a commanding central defender is also high on Dean Smith’s list of priorities.
Villa sold forgotten man Bjorn Engels in June, while Kortney Hause missed 21 games last season because of groin and ankle injuries.
Will Axel Tuanzebe return to Aston Villa?
The question is, however, would Man United really let Tuanzebe return to a club he represented 30 times a couple of years ago?
The 23-year-old would hardly be guaranteed regular game time at Villa, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa firmly established as two of the most reliable centre-halves in the Premier League.
“He is a terrific guy. He’s got a terrific attitude, that’s the thing that will stand him in good stead with his career,” Smith said of Tuanzebe following their time together at Bodymoor Heath.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He was a big part of why we got promoted last season. I loved working with him, and I would like to think I helped in a small part in his development.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
