Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has returned to Aston Villa on a season-long loan amid increased speculation that Jose Mourinho is chasing a senior centre-back.
Tuanzebe, 20, joined Villa on a temporary basis in January and played five times in the Championship as Steve Bruce's side reached the play-off final, where they lost 1-0 to Fulham.
The England Under-21 international, who can play in the centre or at full-back, featured in each of United's six pre-season fixtures, but has now signed a deal for the duration of 2018-19 at Villa Park.
United are said to be looking to bring in a senior defender before the transfer window closes on Thursday, with Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng and Toby Alderweireld all reported targets.
Tuanzebe will be aiming for regular first-team football at Villa, but will not be available as they begin their campaign against Hull City on Monday.
Full story as returnsAugust 6, 2018
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023
