MANCHESTER UNITED star Axel Tuanzebe wants to make his move to Aston Villa a permanent one, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The Congo-born defender, 23, is currently enjoying his third loan spell with the Villans, where he has played four times already this season.
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And he would like his stay to be indefinite, after settling in the West Midlands and enjoying a warm welcome from the fans.
An insider revealed: “Axel is playing with a smile on his face and loves the reception Aston Villa fans gave him when he returned to the club.
“He’s very happy in the West Midlands and would welcome a permanent move to the club, if that was to arise.”
Manager Dean Smith is said to play a major part in Tuanzebe’s belief his future belongs at Villa Park.
The England U21 star is happy that he’s getting more game time.
The source added: “In Dean Smith, Axel believes he has a boss who can get the best out of him and understands his game.
“He is getting plenty of minutes on the pitch and the experience will only improve his game.
“Axel would relish the opportunity to stay beyond this season and help the club win trophies.”
Ahead of his loan move to Villa, Tuanzebe signed a new contract with the Red Devils until 2023 with the option of an extra year.
The centre-back made his debut for United in 2016 under Jose Mourinho in a pre-season friendly against Wigan Athletic.
After the game, the Special One quipped: “10 minutes is enough! The potential is there, you see it immediately.”
But since then, Tuanzebe has struggled to cement a place in the first team – with injuries hindering his progress.
Incredibly, he has captained United at all levels, including the first team in a EFL Cup victory against Rochdale in 2019.
That same season, Tuanzebe was lauded by the pundits after marking PSG forward Kylian Mbappe out of a Champions League tie at the Parc des Princes, as United recorded a famous 2-1 win.
