Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe according to Football Insider. It was also established that Aston Villa are also interested in the 23-year-old utility player who can function well as a centre back or as a fullback.
Newcastle Unitedwere the only team interested in signing Tuanzebe on loan in the opening weeks of the current transfer window before Aston Villa attempted to hijack the deal. For now, the attempt from Villa has proven to be unsuccessful. The aforementioned report said that the Magpies are on course to beat Villa to the loan signing of the Manchester United defender.
Manchester United Academy graduate Tuanzebe had a successful loan spell at Aston Villa some seasons back but he was unable to cement a place for himself in the starting XI at Old Trafford due to various reasons ranging from injuries to lack of game time.
French World Cup winner Raphael Varane has signed for Manchester United from Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer and he’s expected to slot straight into the centre back spot in the starting XI alongside club skipper Harry Maguire. The arrival of Varane means that the Red Devils are covered in that area and can afford to let Tuanzebe leave on loan.
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has given him assurances over regular playing time in his team and that played a vital role in his desire to join the Northeast club rather than go back to Villa for another loan spell. His versatility would be a big plus for Bruce and his coaching staff.