Aston Villa have Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause at centre-back, but Dean Smith is on the hunt for another defender following the departure of Bjorn Engels. The 26-year-old joined Belgian First Division A side Royal Antwerp on a five-year deal this summer, so he’ll need replacing.
The Express and Star say Axel Tuanzebe might be available to Villa after Manchester United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, so fans are getting excited on social media at the prospect of bringing him back.
The 23-year-old impressed for Villa while on loan in 2017/18 and 2018/19, making a total of 35 appearances in all competitions, but the Midlands outfit will have to beat out interest from Newcastle United to get Tuanzebe.
Villa might have the edge in negotiations as they outperformed the Magpies in the Premier League last season and had the centre-back on their books before but playing time might be a factor. Mings and Konsa have been a constant at centre-back, so Tuanzebe may not be guaranteed a starting place at Villa.
Time will tell where this story leads.
In other news, fans may soon worry about an unnamed club showing interest in Emi Martinez
