Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their attempts to sign Axel Tuanzebe, with the youngster hoping to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United.
According to the Manchester Evening News, relayed by Birmingham Live, the defender is hoping to make himself a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team plans by performing well during the Red Devils’ pre-season.
Tuanzebe would have to compete with the likes of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones for a place in United’s line-up, while Marcos Rojo looks set to be leaving Old Trafford.
Villa had been strongly linked with making an attempt to bring the 21-year-old back to Villa Park after his loan spell came to an end.
Tuanzebe played a key role in Villa’s promotion-winning season, turning out 30 times in all competitions as Dean Smith’s side went up courtesy of their 2-1 play-off final win over Derby County.
However, it now looks as though Villa will have to move on to other centre back targets, with a deal to sign the England youth international looking unlikely.
