Aston Villa are looking to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, however they may have to be patient in their quest to secure the deal.

According to the Express Villa have identified the versatile 20-year old as a key target and made an enquiry about his availability.

Yet, even though he rarely features for Manchester United, the Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho hasn’t responded to Villa’s request and that has left Bruce concerned as to whether the deal will complete.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday before the win over Nottingham Forest, the ex-Hull manager told the press he believed Villa’s first January deal was close. And, the report states that Tuanzebe was the man Bruce was referring too.

But, later that day, Mourinho told press that he won’t sanction a deal for the youngster until later in the window given the injury situation at Old Trafford.

“We are a bit afraid of injuries, a bit afraid of needing him, we have Eric Bailly injured, we are not free of other injuries, so we are delaying the decision and we are going to delay until the end of the transfer window.”

The Verdict

Axel Tuanzebe would be a great signing for Villa as even though they’ve kept three clean sheets in a row, the cover behind John Terry and James Chester isn’t great.

Following the comments from Mourinho, it seems a deal for the defender could be done towards the end of the window and that should suit Villa fine.

January is a quiet month following their FA Cup exit, they have Barnsley at home this weekend then Sheffield United on the 30th. It’s not essential that he is brought in immediately.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.