Manchester United to receive £5m for season-long Axel Tuanzebe loan

A season-long loan move for Axel Tuanzebe was confirmed last Sunday as the 23-year-old completed a return to Aston Villa, with Raphael Varane’s transfer to Manchester United expected to be completed this week.

Tuanzebe, who has featured in all of United’s pre-season games so far, is unlikely to feature regularly this season and instead joined Dean Smith’s side again in search of vital senior experience.

According to Football Insider, Manchester United were intent on receiving a heft loan fee to let their centre-back go, with Aston Villa agreeing a £5m fee for the season-long arrangement.

It’s claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side was not willing to let Tuanzebe go for less, with Aston Villa eventually agreeing to the deal.

Read more: Aston Villa confirm signing of Manchester United defender on loan

Newcastle, who were also in the race to sign Tuanzebe and offered a stronger avenue for a starting role, reportedly ‘balked’ at the fee proposed by Manchester United.

It’s now expected that Tuanzebe will challenge Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa for a starting place at Villa Park, having helped the side return to the top flight two years ago.

More Stories Axel Tuanzebe Dean Smith Old Trafford Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Premier League