Manchester United are advancing in talks to sign Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans as they look to bolster their midfield department in the ongoing summer transfer window.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that the Red Devils are in 'advanced talks' to sign the Belgian midfielder, with all parties in contact in order to 'finalise' a deal.
They're looking to activate a reported £35m release clause in the player's contract, who has just two years left on his contract with Aston Villa.
The news comes as a shock given the fact there have been few reports linking Manchester United to the 29-year-old this summer, but their need for reinforcement in the engine room is glaring -- even more so after the club decided to abandon a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Michael Carrick's side had reached an agreement in the region of €40m with the Serie A outfit to sign the Brazilian as early as last month, but they have opted against signing the 27-year-old after medical tests raised concerns over a knee problem.
The Athletic added that the Red Devils recruitment team 'continued background work' even after a fee was agreed for Ederson, and so the speed at which they've pivoted to Tielemans isn't too surprising.
Tielemans joined the Villans on a free transfer in June of 2023 after a successful four-year stint with Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup and Community Shield.
He's proved integral to Unai Emery's well-oiled setup since joining, and it's fitting that his last goal for the club may well be the opener in Villa's Europa League final triumph against Freiburg that ended their 30-year major trophy drought.
While it's a huge blow for the West Midlands outfit -- who are already set to be without Amadou Onana for a sizeable period due to injury -- it's a major coup for United as they proceed their midfield overhaul, with Chelsea's Andrey Santos also expected to join the club.
