Aston Villa attempt to hijack Toon transfer, but player prefers NUFC move for one key reason - Report

According to Midlands paper the Express and Star, Aston Villa are now showing interest in Newcastle United target Axel Tuanzebe.

That said, an 'exclusive' from Football Insider - who are also reporting on interest from Dean Smith's side - claim that the Man Utd centre-back prefers a move to St James' Park as he'd be guaranteed regular game time.

The 23-year-old looks set to spend the 2021/22 season away from Old Trafford following the arrival of Raphael Varane, with Steve Bruce believed to be keen to strike a loan deal with his former club.

Villa's interest is a slight concern based on our inability to beat off competition under Mike Ashley, however it seems any move there would see him be a back-up option to Ezri Konsa and club captain Tyrone Mings - where as he'd almost certainly start at Newcastle.

Yes he's spent a season at Aston Villa just a few seasons ago, meaning he knows the club and area well, but that spell happened to be under Steve Bruce.

I would normally be concerned by talk of another club attempting to hijack our bid, but I don't see Man Utd or the player himself wanting a loan move that would see him sitting on the bench most weeks, making regular starts at Newcastle far more appealing.