Newcastle are looking into a deal for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe with manager Steve Bruce a big fan of his one-time Aston Villa youngster, as reported by The Athletic.
He may have been overshadowed by the relentless goalscoring of fellow loanee Tammy Abraham but no one should underplay the impact Tuanzebe had on an Aston Villa side that secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2018/19.
And while he finished the season under the stewardship of Dean Smith, it was Bruce who sealed a 12-month deal for the England U21 international defender, making good use of his contacts at Old Trafford.
“I’m delighted,” the Geordie gaffer told Villa’s official website at the time. “He’s got all the ingredients of a modern day player – he’s quick, strong and powerful.
“(Tuanzebe) can play anywhere in midfield and anywhere at the back. He’ll bring pace, athleticism and a desire. He’s got a big appetite for the game.”
Whether Bruce is speaking in glowing terms about Tuanzebe again between now and the end of August remains to be seen.
Will Newcastle beat Aston Villa to Tuanzebe deal?
Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to stand in his way should Tuanzebe push for another loan move this summer. The 23-year-old started only a handful of Premier League games in 2020/21 despite the indifferent form of Victor Lindelof.
And The Athletic believes Newcastle are “monitoring” the situation.
The Midlands giants are looking for someone capable of putting pressure on Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa – and Tuanzebe fits the bill.
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