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Newcastle transfer news: Magpies monitoring Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe

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According to the Athletic, Newcastle United could make a loan move for Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe during the transfer window.

Steve Bruce is desperate for a new centre-back, but Mike Ashley’s unwillingness to put money into a club he hopes he won’t own for much longer is making things difficult.

The Daily Mail have claimed that the Magpies only have £10million to spend on new recruits. That’s why the loan market is so important to Newcastle’s summer.

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Their search for a central defender isn’t going to well. Kristoffer Ajer had been linked, but he’s reportedly set to join Premier League rivals Brentford instead.

William Saliba was also a target from Arsenal, but he appears to be joining Marseille.

But could Tuanzebe be the answer to Bruce’s centre-back desire?

Newcastle want a centre-back this transfer window, so is Axel Tuanzebe the answer?

The Athletic claim that Newcastle are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation at Old Trafford.

Tuanzebe has previously worked with Bruce, joining Aston Villa on loan while he was manager.

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He has been on the fringes at Manchester United for a while now, but did feature in the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in May.

Tuanzebe came off the bench in extra time, and scored in the penalty shootout.

Last season was the most he has ever played for the Red Devils, making 19 appearances in all competitions.

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However, they are in the market for a new defender themselves, and have been linked with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

That would suggest that Tuanzebe isn’t in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans, meaning he could be made available for loan.

That would put him in Newcastle’s range, with next to nothing to spend unless there is a takeover.