Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after shelving their move for Atalanta’s Éderson.
The Red Devils have accelerated talks with Villa as they look to strengthen Michael Carrick’s midfield ahead of the new season, with Tielemans now emerging as the club’s priority target.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is understood to be working on the financial details of the transfer, with the Belgium international available through a release clause worth around £35 million. Tielemans still has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park.
The move comes after United decided not to proceed with a deal for Brazilian midfielder Éderson following concerns raised during the medical process. Although the club could revisit the transfer later in the window, their immediate focus has shifted to Tielemans.
Tielemans would become United’s second midfield signing of the summer after the arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea as Carrick continues rebuilding the centre of the park following Casemiro’s departure.
The 29-year-old brings a wealth of Premier League experience, having joined Leicester City from Monaco in 2019 before moving to Aston Villa on a free transfer in 2023.
Since arriving in England, Tielemans has established himself as one of the league’s most technically gifted midfielders, highlighted by his stunning winning goal in Leicester City’s 2021 FA Cup triumph and his influential performances during Villa’s successful 2025-26 campaign.
Internationally, Tielemans has earned 90 caps for Belgium and captained his country during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.
His expected arrival represents a slight change in United’s recruitment strategy under the current regime. Rather than targeting younger players with significant resale value, the club appears willing to invest in an experienced midfielder capable of making an immediate impact.
Villa would lose one of their most important players if the transfer is completed, particularly after fellow Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the World Cup.
However, Unai Emery’s side are already moving to reinforce their midfield, with Switzerland international Johan Manzambi expected to arrive from Freiburg.
If the remaining negotiations are completed successfully, Tielemans is expected to become the latest addition to Carrick’s squad as Manchester United continue their summer rebuild ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
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