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Manchester United's Aston Villa transfer snub leaving Steve Bruce anxious over deal
ASTON VILLA are concerned by Manchester United’s failure to respond to their enquiry for promising defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Aston Villa want to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on loan
Villans boss Steve Bruce hopes to land Tuanzebe, 20, on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Bruce announced at a press conference on Friday that he was closing in on his first signing of the January transfer window.
Tuanzebe was believed to be the player in question but Jose Mourinho admitted later in the day that he was reluctant to sanction a move for the academy graduate.
“It is something we are thinking about, a loan until the end of the season,” the United manager said.
“We are a bit afraid of injuries, a bit afraid of needing him, we have Eric Bailly injured, we are not free of other injuries, so we are delaying the decision and we are going to delay until the end of the transfer window.
“If we have a decision at the end of the month and feel Eric Bailly is close to being back, then probably will be good for Axel to go on a loan and be back next season, because he's a player we like very much.”
Aston Villa news: Steve Bruce reveals first January transfer is close to completion
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is concerned by the silence from Manchester United
According to the Sunday People, Villa chiefs are anxious the deal will not be completed before the end of the month.
Tuanzebe has managed just three appearances in all competitions for United this term.
Bruce fancies him to provide cover for for first-choice pair John Terry and James Chester.
The Championship promotion hopefuls are restricted to loan signings due to Financial Fair Play concerns but Bruce is confident of adding quality to his squad.
Jose Mourinho ‘afraid’ of sanctioning Axel Tuanzebe transfer
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reluctant to loan out Axel Tuanzebe
“I think everybody knows and understands the situation we’re in,” he said.
“I think I’ve been pretty clear.
“With the financial situation at the club, we’re not in a position to spend millions.
“However, if we look to go down the loan route which has been really positive for us, even at the start of the season with Sam [Johnstone]. [Robert] Snodgrass in particular, we’ve done very well with the loan situation.”