Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans as Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild takes another unexpected turn.
David Ornstein reports that contact is continuing between the clubs and the player’s representatives as they attempt to finalise an agreement.
Tielemans has attracted interest from elsewhere, but the Belgium international is understood to favour a move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old has two years remaining on his Villa contract after joining the club on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023.
Tielemans move follows United’s Ederson decision
United accelerated their interest after deciding not to complete their planned move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson at this stage.
A £35m fixed fee plus around £4m in add-ons had been agreed for the Brazilian. Personal terms were also in place before United conducted further medical checks following the World Cup.
The club may revisit Ederson later in the window, but Tielemans has now emerged as an immediate alternative.
ReadManUtd recently examined how the Ederson uncertainty left Carrick requiring another reliable midfield addition.
Tielemans would bring extensive Premier League experience and proven quality in possession. His progressive passing could also reduce United’s reliance on Bruno Fernandes when moving the ball through midfield.
He helped Villa qualify for the Champions League and win the Europa League last season, contributing two goals and seven assists across 35 appearances.
United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea, but Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury have left Carrick short of established options.
Losing Tielemans would represent a major setback for Villa, particularly after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup.
Talks still need to produce an agreement between the clubs. However, Tielemans’ preference for United gives Carrick a strong chance of adding another experienced midfielder.
