Axel Tuanzebe returned to Aston Villa for a second loan spell this season and manager Steve Bruce is already thinking about signing the defender permanently, according to the Birmingham Mail. 

The Manchester United centre-back was restricted to just four starts for the Villans during his spell at the club in the second half of last season but has gone on to start five out of six matches in the Championship so far this season.

United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly a big fan of the defender, however, which could make any permanent deal hard to agree.

The Portuguese gave the 20-year-old his Red Devils debut in a 4-0 FA Cup win against Wigan Athletic in January 2017 and has since made seven more appearances for the club.

Despite being a centre-back by trade, Tuanzebe has only been employed as a right-back during his time at Villa Park.

The Verdict 

It is a nice idea from Bruce but I cannot see the player wanting to sign permanently if he is not getting game time in his best position.

This is something that the manager needs to address.

Villa's defence has been appalling this season with Mile Jedinak bizarrely starting alongside Chester in the heart of the defence instead of Tuanzebe.

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