Revealed: Aston Villa have agreed big-money Tuanzebe deal after bid accepted by Man United
Aston Villa won the race to sign Axel Tuanzebe after Man United accepted a bid worth more than £5million, Football Insider has learned.
The Midlands giants fought off strong interest from Newcastle United to take the versatile defender on loan for a third time.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that United demanded a big-money loan fee for Tuanzebe and were not willing to let him go for less than £5m.
Newcastle eventually baulked at the fee even though Steve Bruce was able to offer Tuanzebe a regular starting role in his team.
Football Insider first revealed Villa’s interest in re-signing the centre-back, who can also slot in at right-back, on 1 May.
The Midlands giants announced yesterday that Tuanzebe had become their fifth summer signing following Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings.
The £100million sale of Jack Grealish, which was completed last week, has funded another major signing spree from Dean Smith’s side.
Tuanzebe will provide cover and competition for first-choice pairing Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.
Tuanzebe has been snapped up for the season as he is athletic, versatile and has the potential to develop.
United secured him to a new contract running until 2023 before sending him to Villa Park for the new campaign.
He was on the fringes of Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s team last season, making 19 appearances across all competitions but only four Premier League starts.
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