Aston Villa hopeful of Axel Tuanzebe deal

The 21-year-old has returned to parent club Manchester United after impressing during a season-long loan spell, in which he helped Dean Smith’s team win promotion back to the Premier League.

Villa are keen on negotiating a return, though accept they may need to be patient, with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having previously expressed a desire to run the rule over Tuanzebe during pre-season.

Much will depend on United’s own business in the transfer window.

They have been linked with a move for West Ham United’s Issa Diop, who is priced at £75million by the Hammers.

Villa would prefer a permanent deal for Tuanzebe, who has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford.

Another loan deal is also possible, though Villa would insist on having an option to buy, if that were the case.

Securing the permanent return of Tuanzebe’s fellow loan star, Tyrone Mings, remains their top priority.

But having released Tommy Elphick and Mile Jedinak and with question marks surrounding the long-term fitness of James Chester, boss Dean Smith ideally wants to add two more defenders.

Bristol City’s Adam Webster has also been linked.