Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans, paying a £35million release clause in his contract to take him from Villa Park to Old Trafford
Youri Tielemans has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United(Image: Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Manchester United are closing on a deal to sign Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans in a £35million move – with a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson looking increasingly unlikely.
United have been linked with a host of potential new signings already this summer, particularly in midfield, as they prepare for next season. Following the departure of Casemiro as a free agent and the injury to Manuel Ugarte during the World Cup, the Red Devils have stepped up their push to add reinforcements to the middle of the park.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is on his way to the club in a £50m deal and now United have swooped to sign Tielemans from Villa, with a switch also close to reaching a conclusion. Tielemans favours a move to United despite interest from other clubs this summer and the offer of a new contract from Unai Emery’s men, but is closing in on a deal to move to Old Trafford to bring his three-year stint with the Midlands club to an end.
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The 29-year-old’s contract at Villa Park runs until the summer of 2028, but a £35million release clause has led United to move quickly following the end of Belgium’s World Cup campaign. Tielemans starred for Belgium, whom he captained, scoring two goals as they reached the quarter-final.
After Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup at the hands of France last week, Tielemans headed for his summer break and United chiefs made their move.
United’s move comes as something of a surprise, but he fits the bill for their current transfer structure, given his background in the Premier League, and he adds quality and experience to the club’s midfield.
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A move for Tielemans adds to the questions surrounding the transfer of Brazil international Ederson, the Atalanta midfielder.
United had reached an agreement worth £35million plus a further £3.8million to sign Ederson earlier this summer, before he went on to feature at the World Cup.
But a knee issue has led to claims that United are no longer expected to complete that deal – although that could still changed before the close of the summer window.
And now Tielemans could be lining up for Michael Carrick’s team at United next season, rather than for the Villans.
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