Connor Humm

Sat 15 May 2021 9:00, UK

Signing Axel Tuanzebe for £7million would be an “absolute steal” for Aston Villa, according to Alan Hutton.

The former Scotland ace, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Manchester United 23-year-old has the potential to become a “top, top defender”.

As revealed by Football Insider, Villa have made Tuanzebe a top target and a bid of £7million could convince United to sell.

The versatile defender is heading into the final year on his contract at Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils have the option to extend the deal by 12 months.

Hutton, who played alongside Tuanzebe between 2018 and 2019, insisted £7million would be a bargain for the Villans.

Discussing Tuanzebe’s price tag, Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I think it’s an absolute steal. £7million for a young, English, talented football player that has got so much to give.

“We’ve obviously seen glimpses of him at Villa – well, not a glimpse but you know what I mean. We can see what he can do and I think he’s only going to get better.

“Obviously, coming to Villa, he’s got a fight on his hands, whether it be with Konsa or Matty Cash. I think it’s one that he will stand up to and he’ll want to fight to get in that team.

“If he does, he’s only going to get better, which means his value is only going to go up. This is the type of player I think Villa are going to target. Someone that’s going to come in hungry and willing to get better.

“You never know where he could end up in the future. I think he’s got all the attributes to be a top, top defender.” 

Tuanzebe has struggled for regular game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, with just two league starts to his name.

He played 35 times across two successive loan spells at Villa Park.

Villa currently have Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause and Bjorn Engels as their centre-back options.

In other news, Aston Villa are lining up a huge bid for left-footed maestro who was once Man United’s top target.