Aston Villa are hoping to complete a loan deal for highly-rated Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe this week, according to a reliable journalist.
John Percy, Midlands football reported for the Daily Telegraph, reported on Twitter on Monday that the Villans were hopeful of securing the 20-year-old star in the coming days.
Percy also claimed however that there is a lot of competition for Tuanzebe, who has made eight first-team appearances for the Premier League giants.
It is also said that Steve Bruce’s side are in talks with Belgian side Royal Antwerp over a loan deal for out-of-favour enforcer Ritchie De Laet, who has made just nine appearances at Villa Park this season.
Aston Villa hoping to push through a loan deal for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe this week. Lots of competition. Villa also in talks with Royal Antwerp over a deal to send Ritchie De Laet on loan #avfc #mufc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) January 22, 2018
Good move for Villa?
This would be a massive coup for Villa, who would be adding a serious talent to their squad, while getting rid of some deadwood in De Laet.
Tuanzebe has not quite managed to force himself into the first-team reckoning on a regular basis at United, but not many young players manage that under Jose Mourinho.
Whenever he has played for the club he has looked brilliant, and Villa would be the perfect place for him to gain some much-needed first-team football.
His versatility is a massive asset, with Tuanzebe able to play centre-back, full-back and on the wing.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Despite there being heavy competition for Tuanzebe, it does look like Villa are in a good position to win that race.
Bruce’s side are the perfect destination for him, as he will be able to gain experience at a team that are pushing for promotion, rather than one that may be fighting relegation.
On the De Laet front, his exit has always looked likely, and with talks being underway with Antwerp, that one should be completed in the coming days as well.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10