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.
But Olly, why would Tuanzebe come to the Toon?
You and your cohorts spend all your time telling us that Bruce is totally clueless, and if Tuanzebe
spent time under Bruce, he would know this and go to Villa instead?
After all, Villa is an hour closer to his home…….
So I guess if we do get him, that would be an indication that the player, who has worked closely with Bruce, believes that maybe he knows what he’s doing?
BiffaDescartes(Quote)
Biffa – I’m neither a Bruce basher, or a fan – but when you make a post in the tone you have you might want to consider the fact that Bruce did not get Villa promoted mate ??♂️?
Sharpy17(Quote)
What I think of Bruce in all of this is irrelevant mate. I’m simply agreeing with a report that says he’d prefer a loan move that sees him play week in week out, over a move to Villa (who wouldn’t be able to guarantee him starts IMO).
If he joins us it doesn’t mean he thinks Bruce is a brilliant manager. Because it’d be a loan move it may well be because he just knows he’ll get game time and good experience at a big club.
Also, look at Willock’s loan move. Him doing so well last season wasn’t so much down to Bruce. He just finally got a chance to play week in week out at PL level and showed what he can do. Tuanzebe will be looking at and thinking NUFC is a platform for him to impress – unlike Villa where he’d only be in their side (at CB) if Konsa or Mings got injured.
For example, Dean Smith is a better manager than Steve Bruce, but his decision won’t be based on that. Ultimately, he and Man Utd will want him to go somewhere that guarantees him game time.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)