Axel Tuanzebe is expected to leave Manchester United on loan with widespread interest from Premier League and overseas clubs, Manchester Evening News claims.
The Red Devils graduate struggled for playing time last season, managing just 918 minutes across 19 appearances in all competitions.
He was the fourth-choice centre-back behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly last season and was limited to just four starts in the league.
United are lining up a new central defender to partner Maguire. It is reported that Tuanzebe is set to be loaned out to secure regular first-team action.
Sportslens view:
The 23-year-old had a difficult campaign with United, and he was ignored for the Europa League final, where Bailly got the nod to partner Lindelof.
His chances of securing a regular starting spot are bleak, and a temporary move elsewhere could help him regain his form and confidence.
Tuanzebe’s last loan stint came with Villa, where he played a key role in their promotion-winning campaign from the Championship in 2018/19.
He missed part of the season with a metatarsal fracture but still made a huge impression with his strong aerial presence in and around the box.
Villa have since formed a solid central partnership through Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, but there were some cracks visible during the back end of last season.
Mings is pretty much a guaranteed starter for Villa. Tuanzebe could have the opportunity to compete with Konsa if he returns to the club on loan.
Villa have shown plenty of transfer ambition with more than £250 million spent on new signings since promotion. They could push for Europe next term.
Tuanzebe could earn himself a permanent deal if he can make the most of his game time. It remains to be seen whether Villa are in the running to re-sign him.
Read: Manchester United ready to hand a bumper contract to Paul Pogba.
