Ole Gunnar Solskjaer casts doubt over Aston Villa return for Axel Tuanzebe

Tuanzebe was a vital part of Dean Smith's squad as Villa secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Despite missing a chunk of the season through injury, the young defender starred alongside Tyrone Mings late in the campaign - with Villa hopeful of a deal to bring him back to B6 this season.

Solskjaer signalled his intentions to cast his eye over the 21-year-old this summer, who recently signed a new deal at Old Trafford, earlier this year - and he's admitted that he has a chance of staying and playing for the club this campaign.

"Axel has got a great chance of staying here and playing," The United boss said.

"He had a great season last year, albeit a stop-start season with injuries, but he’s really proven that he’s capable of playing at this level.

"He got promoted with Aston Villa and he’s come back very strong and focused. He did well in the first game here in Perth, so he’s one of the young exciting players I can’t wait to see more of."

The youngster featured for Solskjaer during their pre-season clash in Australia against Perth Glory, featuring for the first half of the encounter and keeping a clean sheet.

Villa were hopeful of a return, but have bolstered at the back - signing Mings and Kortney Hause on permanent deals from Bournemouth and Wolves, as well as securing the services of Ezri Konsa from Brentford.

They are also reportedly close to the capture of another defender in the shape of Bjorn Engels from Stade Reims, with the 24-year-old said to have trained with Villa in the US ahead of official confirmation of his signing.