Aston Villa frontrunners to sign 'terrific' £50k-a-week ace on loan

Aston Villa are reportedly frontrunners to sign Axel Tuanzebe on loan.

The Express & Star claims the Villans have stepped up efforts to secure the Manchester United man’s services once again.

Dean Smith is reportedly eager to be reunited with Tuanzebe, who played a big part in Villa’s 2018-19 promotion campaign.

And Manchester United are content to let the £50,000-a-week defender leave on loan this summer, added the report.

Should Tuanzebe rejoin Villa on loan, it would be his third loan spell at Villa Park.

The centre-back made five appearances during the 2017-18 season under Steve Bruce.

However, Tuanzebe etched his name in Villa folklore the following season under Smith.

The 23-year-old made 28 Championship appearances in claret-and-blue that year.

Aston Villa targeting “terrific” player once again?

Smith sung Tuanzebe’s praises the following season.

“He is a terrific guy,” the Birmingham Mail quotes him as saying.

“He’s got a terrific attitude, that is the thing which will stand him in good stead with his career. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He was a big part of why we got promoted last season.

“I loved working with him, and I would like to think I helped in a small part in his development.”