Solskjaer completely rules out sale of fringe Man Utd defender
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to integrate Axel Tuanzebe into his first-team squad next season and reportedly has no intention of selling him.
The central defender, who is also comfortable at full-back, spent last season on loan at Aston Villa – where he impressed as the Midlands club regained their Premier League status after a play-off final win over Derby.
The 21-year-old is highly regarded at Old Trafford but that has not stopped Villa expressing an interest in signing the player on a permanent deal.
Tuanzebe has just 12 months to run on his existing contract and is desperate to break into Solskjaer’s side, despite consistent rumours that United after looking to bring in a new centre-back.
The youngster could be boosted by Solskjaer’s approach to his signings so far, however, with the Norwegian placing a big emphasis on bringing in youthful talent.
Winger Daniel James has already arrived in an £18m move from Swansea, while United have also agreed a £600,000 deal to bring in 16-year-old attacker Mateo Meija from Real Zaragoza.
Tuanzebe, meanwhile, will be taken on United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia and looks set to be given a chance to stake a claim for a starting berth next season.
United are also set to trigger a 12-month extension clause in the defender’s contract and will not sell him this summer unless a huge fee is forthcoming.
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