Villa readying January bid for £20m-rated Man Utd star – Hutton

Alan Hutton reckons Aston Villa will come back in Axel Tuanzebe when the transfer window opens after admitting his shock at his lack of game time at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old starred alongside Tyrone Mings in the heart of the Villa defence as Dean Smith’s side timed their form to perfection and secured a return to the Premier League via the play-offs.

And while Mings signed on a permanent basis from Bournemouth and went on to win a maiden senior England call-up, Tuanzebe returned to Manchester United and with a promise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and a bumper new deal.

However, the centre-half is yet to play any minutes for United this season – and though his chance could come this weekend amid an injury crisis at the club – Hutton reckons Villa are preparing a move to bring Tuanzebe back.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s very, very professional. That’s definitely how I’d say he was. Everything was football, whether it be how he ate, how he trained, constantly in the gym before and after – he was 100% professionalism.

“I’m surprised he’s not really had a chance as yet at Man U but I’m pretty sure that will come. Of course everybody wants to play and maybe that’s the situation he will look at and say: ‘right I need to continue playing.’

“I know Villa were very interested in him but Man U wanted to keep him, which is fair enough, he’s their player, it’s understandable but I think he’s definitely going to have a big future ahead of him.”

Manchester United are thought to value the defender at around the £20m mark and could potentially add the funds to their transfer pot, amid reports the Red Devils are looking at three targets in January. 

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