Manchester United were said to be willing to allow young defender, Axel Tuanzebe to leave the club on loan again next season when he returns to Old Trafford according to The Sun. 

This will have come as a huge boost to Aston Villa, as Tuanzebe has looked hugely impressive in his debut season with the club.

But Villa boss, Dean Smith has revealed in an interview (quotes sourced from the Express and Star), that talks over extending his stay at Villa Park haven't taken place as of yet.

 “It is not a conversation I have had with Axel. It is not a conversation I have had with Manchester United.”

Smith also went on to issue high praise for the defender, who has made 19 starts for the Villans as they mount their challenge for promotion this season.

"Axel is a great player and we all like him here, he’s a great athlete, quick and comfortable on the ball and tactically astute too."

"He is the sort of player where you can understand why he is at Manchester United.

Tuanzebe has recently been injured and hasn't featured since their draw with Stoke in December, and his return to the side will be a huge boost to their promotion bid.

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"He is getting used to the pressure of playing in front of those sort of crowds.

"We are glad he is here and I am glad he is back to full fitness. We missed him when he wasn’t here."

Tuanzebe could be involved for Villa today as they host Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park, in a game where they will be expected to pick up a vital three points to strengthen their grip on a top six finish.

The Verdict: 

This won't come as a surprise.

There's no doubting that Tuanzebe has been impressive for the Villans this season, but they need to be focusing on their promotion bid.

Contract talks shouldn't be the priority at this moment in time.