Newcastle United are interested in bringing Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe to the club before the 2021-22 season. The English defender played a bit-part role in Manchester United’s 2020-21 campaign.
According to The Telegraph, Magpies manager Steve Bruce is reportedly interested in signing Tuanzebe once again, having signed him on loan when he was manager of Aston Villa.
As per the report, Newcastle United and Manchester United have talked about a loan and transfer deal for Tuanzebe. The home-grown Manchester United player has just one year remaining on his current deal at Manchester United, although the club has the option to add one more year to his contract.
The 23-year-old has been a part of Manchester United’s first team over the last two seasons, but he could leave the club to get more first-team football.
Related: Newcastle United Prioritise Signing Chelsea Ace: The Player Their Midfield Needs?
What will Axel Tuanzebe add to the Newcastle United team?
A few years ago, Axel Tuanzebe was regarded as one of the bright prospects in Manchester United’s academy. But, the Englishman has found it tough to get first-team minutes as he is way below the pecking order at United.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Eric Bailly are above him in the pecking order, while the arrival of Raphael Varane could further reduce his chances for first-team football.
Tuanzebe is a quick and strong defender who likes to push up and make interceptions, using his speed to nip in and take the ball off the opponent’s feet. The United defender is also a confident player with the ball at his feet, capable of bringing it forward as well as passing from the defence.
The 23-year-old has Premier League and European experience, while he was superb in the Championship as well. Tuanzebe could be a decent addition to the Newcastle United squad and could go straight into their first team.
The Magpies have a few issues at the back, having conceded 62 goals in 38 league matches last season. Newcastle’s defence has been caught out due to their lack of pace, as well as quality. Tuanzebe’s addition could go a long way in strengthening their defence and giving Steve Bruce a number of options at the back.
Tuanzebe would also fit in Bruce’s three-man defence, which will give him more freedom to play his natural game of bringing the ball from the back and passing it from the defence. More consistent game time could help him realise his true potential at Newcastle United.
