Ex-Man United defender in talks to join Real Betis
Former Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is in talks to join La Liga club Real Betis on a free transfer, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old has been a free agent since his contract at Old Trafford ran out at the end of the previous campaign but is yet to agree terms with a new club.
The European transfer window closed less than a week ago, but non-contracted players can still strike permanent deals with interested clubs on a free transfer.
Betis are looking to take advantage by luring Tuanzebe to the Estadio Benito Villamarin having lost Luis Felipe to the Saudi Pro League.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini had previously ruled out a departure for the Brazilian defender but was powerless to stop his exit after a €25 million offer arrived (h/t Football Today).
With Los Verdiblancos now short on centre-back cover, Pellegrini is eager to recruit Tuanzebe to bolster his options at the heart of the defence.
Tuanzebe progressed through the youth ranks at Man United before earning a call-up to the first-team squad in 2017.
However, he never really established himself with the Red Devils and spent most of his association with the club away from Old Trafford.
His most recent loan spell was at Championship club Stoke City, who snapped him up on a temporary six-month deal, but things didn’t go according to plan.
The former England youth international made just five appearances across all competitions in a horror stint before becoming a free agent over the summer.
Having failed to attract interest from European clubs or the free-spending Saudi Arabians, Betis are reportedly open to extending an olive branch to the Englishman in a desperate attempt to bolster their backline.
Tuanzebe’s preference was to remain in the Premier League, having held talks with newly promoted duo Sheffield United and Luton Town.
High-flying Championship club Ipswich Town were also interested in Tuanzebe, but the Spanish top flight appears to be his most likely destination.
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