Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that the future of defender Axel Tuanzebe will have to wait until the end of the January transfer window amid reported interest from Aston Villa.
Reliable journalist Dean Jones, who writes for the Bleacher Report, claimed on Twitter that the 20-year-old is set to join the Championship side this month on loan.
However, the Midlands giants will have to wait for a potential loan signing after Mourinho’s revelation.
“It is something we are thinking about, a loan until the end of the season,” Mourinho said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“We are a bit afraid of injuries, a bit afraid of needing him, we have Eric Bailly injured, we are not free of other injuries, so we are delaying the decision and we are going to delay until the end of the transfer window.
“If we have a decision at the end of the month and feel Eric Bailly is close to being back, then probably will be good for Axel to go on a loan.”
Tuanzebe is an extremely highly-rated player at Old Trafford and has made three senior appearances so far this season, including one in the Champions League.
The Englishman is a versatile player that is regarded as a centre-back by trade, but can also play in either midfield or full-back positions too.
He is a product of the United academy and is yet to experience a stint may on loan, but Villa are trying to bring him in to aid their promotion bid.
OPINION
United fans are extremely excited about what the future may bring for Tuanzebe and Villa should certainly hope they can sign him on a temporary basis. He could certainly help reinforce their defensive options and hasn’t looked out of place everytime he has stepped into the United first team. Meanwhile, it would be extremely beneficial for Mourinho to allow the rising star to learn under the tutelage of centre-back John Terry and manager Steve Bruce. They are some of the most experienced defensive heads in the game and would help the youngster develop immensely during a short spell at Villa Park.