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          Man United's Axel Tuanzebe returns to Aston Villa on loan

          • Rob Dawson, CorrespondentAug 6, 2018, 05:42 PM

          MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has agreed to join Aston Villa in a season-long loan deal.

          The 20-year-old will rejoin the Championship club after making five appearances on loan at Villa Park last season before an ankle injury ended his campaign.

          Tuanzebe, who has made eight senior appearances for United, was part of Jose Mourinho's squad for the U.S. tour and featured as a second-half substitute during the defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

          But it has been decided a temporary move to Aston Villa will be best for his development as he looks to make the step up into the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

          Mourinho is already well-stocked at centre-back with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo competing for places.

          Sources have told ESPN FC that the Portuguese coach is keen to bring another central defender to the club before Thursday's transfer deadline.

          Bayern's Jerome Boateng, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld and Leicester's Harry Maguire are all potential targets.

          If one arrives by Thursday, it is likely Rojo will be allowed to move on with Everton leading the race for the Argentinian's signature.