Aston Villa face the prospect of losing Youri Tielemans after Manchester United entered advanced talks to sign the Belgium midfielder.
David Ornstein reports that all parties remain in contact as United attempt to finalise a surprise transfer.
Tielemans has interest from other clubs but is understood to favour a move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old remains under contract at Villa Park until June 2028, leaving Villa in a position to demand a significant fee.
However, his willingness to join United creates an immediate problem for Unai Emery.
Villa can ill afford to lose Tielemans
Tielemans became one of Villa’s most important players during their Champions League qualification and Europa League-winning campaign.
He contributed two goals and seven assists across 35 appearances while forming part of Emery’s preferred midfield alongside Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana.
Villa’s position has become more difficult after Onana ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
ReadAstonVilla recently reported how Tielemans’ own injury added to Villa’s escalating midfield concerns.
Losing him now would leave Emery requiring at least one major midfield signing before the new season.
United have moved for Tielemans after stepping away from an agreed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. They have already signed Andrey Santos but want more experience following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury.
Ornstein’s update confirms Tielemans is keen on the move, although no transfer fee has yet been reported.
Villa must now decide whether to resist United’s approach, offer Tielemans improved terms or sell and reinvest.
Emery reportedly wanted to build around his established midfield three. Onana’s injury and United’s approach have placed that plan under serious pressure.
