According to the Telegraph, Aston Villa are interested in a permanent deal for Newcastle United target Axel Tuanzebe.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with the Manchester United defender, who is seemingly surplus to requirements.
The Telegraph recently claimed that Tuanzebe could become Newcastle’s first signing this summer, with the Red Devils set to bring in Raphael Varane.
While a deal for the Frenchman is still set to be completed, Tuanzebe might not be on his way to St James’ Park.
Aston Villa have also been linked with the 23-year-old, who enjoyed two loan spells at Villa Park in the Championship. Interestingly, he was signed by Steve Bruce.
Now Villa want him back, but this time it could be a permanent deal.
Axel Tuanzebe going to Aston Villa on a permanent deal?
According to the Telegraph, the loan fee Manchester United want is proving to be an issue for Newcastle. It was recently reported to be £5million, which seems excessive.
But while we’re struggling to do a loan deal, the Telegraph believe Aston Villa want Tuanzebe permanently.
Dean Smith’s side could be coming into some money soon, with Jack Grealish the subject of £100million interest from Manchester City.
For reference, that’s a third of the price Mike Ashley was going to sell Newcastle for. But that’s a story for another day…
Back to Tuanzebe, and this looks like it could be another example of Newcastle missing out on a major target.
Bruce is desperate to sign a centre-back, but has already missed out on Kristoffer Ajer and William Saliba. The former signed for Brentford, while the latter has gone to Marseille.
With Villa seemingly having the resources to sign Tuanzebe on a permanent deal, it feels like this is another transfer that could pass us by.
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