​Manchester United are currently in negotiations with Aston Villa over a potential transfer for Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to the Press Association. Tielemans, who captained Belgium at the World Cup, remains under contract with Villa for another two years, yet United are hopeful of luring him to Old Trafford. It is understood that United’s pursuit of Ederson from Atalanta has stalled after the Brazilian was added to Brazil’s World Cup squad late in the season. Although a £39 million fee and personal terms had been agreed for Ederson, United have redirected their attention to Tielemans for now.
The 29-year-old Tielemans joined Villa on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023 and has become a central figure for Unai Emery’s side, who secured a Champions League spot last season and lifted the Europa League trophy. Tielemans also helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals, though he missed Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Spain due to an injury sustained during the warm-up, later described as a hamstring strain.
United are prioritising midfield reinforcement following the exits of Casemiro and the knee ligament injury Manuel Ugarte suffered in Uruguay’s group-stage loss to Spain at the World Cup. The club recently agreed a £50 million deal with Chelsea for their Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. If Tielemans pushes through a move to Manchester United, it would represent a significant setback for Villa. The midfielder has made more than 130 appearances across all competitions for the West Midlands club, contributing 35 appearances last season alone, in which he tallied two goals and recorded seven assists.