Sky Bet Championship side Aston Villa have been given the green light by Manchester United to sign Axel Tuanzebe on a season-long loan deal next season, according to reports from The Sun.
The defender has been hugely impressive at Villa Park during a near 18-month stay with the West Midlands club, despite a torrid time with injuries of late. The 21-year-old signed for Villa on loan until the end of the season last January, making just five appearances as Steve Bruce's men reached the Championship play-off final.
The youngster then sealed another move to Villa Park in the summer, this time a season-long loan move, making 21 appearances in an impressive first-half of the campaign.
[ad_pod ]
Tuanzebe hasn't featured for Dean Smith's men since the end of December after sustaining an unfortunate foot injury in training, however it now looks as if the Red Devils man could be set to sign for Villa for yet another season.
A source from Old Trafford said: "Axel has done well there and he could be allowed to go back for another year - it doesn’t matter to us if that’s in the Championship or not. The quality of the league is so high.
"He’s fit again and rated really highly here. It will be a struggle for him to get into the first-team at present though - we’re pleased with his progress and he has impressed a lot with his attitude and potential for the future."
Reports claim that Tuanzebe, who has made just eight senior appearances for United, will join Villa regardless of what division they find themselves in next season - Dean Smith's men currently occupy 6th spot in the Championship table, with eight games left to play this season.
The Verdict
This is a massive boost for Villa at such an important stage of the season.
Tuanzebe has really impressed me since joining Villa again and was in very good form before picking up an injury in winter.
The January additions of Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause have really improved Villa's leaky defence, although having Tuanzebe is a great option to have, especially if the club cannot secure permanent deals for the pair.