Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are hopeful of tying up a loan deal for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe before this weekend.
Villa sit fourth in the Championship table after four wins in a row, and lie just three points adrift of the automatic promotion spots as they attempt to return to the Premier League.
Villa have yet to bring in any new signings this month, with Steve Bruce somewhat limited by Financial Fair Play regulations, meaning loan deals are the most likely source of incomings.
Having sent Ritchie De Laet on loan to Royal Antwerp on Tuesday, Villa are now looking to bring in another defender, with Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe believed to be a top target.
The Daily Mail report that Villa are hoping to finalise a deal for Tuanzebe before the weekend, despite the fact that Villa don’t play until next Tuesday after being dumped out of the FA Cup.
It’s claimed that a host of clubs have been hoping to sign Tuanzebe, but Villa’s proposal has been ‘the most compelling’ as Bruce is on the verge of receiving a favour from his former club.
Tuanzebe, 20, has come up through the ranks at Old Trafford having joined United way back in 2005, and has made eight first-team appearances during his time with the Red Devils.
The DR Congo-born England Under-21 international can play at centre back or right back, offering versatility to Bruce’s defensive options – and given that Sam Johnstone is already at Villa Park, United boss Jose Mourinho may be hoping that the pair can develop together under Bruce.
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