Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on loan.
Steve Bruce previously worked with Tuanzebe during his spell at Aston Villa and the Newcastle head coach believes the centre-back has a bright future ahead of him.
Newcastle have yet to make a breakthrough this summer, but ChronicleLive understands the black-and-whites are leading the race to sign Tuanzebe and the player and his camp have been 'delighted' by the club's interest.
READ MORE: Newcastle fans learn truth as Jamal Lewis opens up
A deal still has to be done, of course, but, crucially, it is understood that Manchester United are not against the idea of eventually loaning Tuanzebe out as Raphael Varane closes in on a move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils announced they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign the big-name defender on Tuesday night.
Player terms still need to be finalised, and Varane has to undergo a medical, but the Frenchman's arrival could allow Tuanzebe to go out on loan.
Tuanzebe made just nine starts in all competitions for Manchester United last season and the 23-year-old is naturally keen to play more games.
While supporters may wonder why Newcastle are targeting another centre-back, when Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark and Fabian Schar are already on the club's books, Bruce has been keen to sign a different profile of defender for the best part of a year-and-a-half now.
Indeed, shortly after he took over, in 2019, Bruce realised that Newcastle would not necessarily be able to play the way he hoped because, Isaac Hayden and Jamaal Lascelles apart, the Magpies lacked legs in midfield and at the back respectively.
That is why Bruce was so eager to sign both a box to box midfielder - Joe Willock finally arrived on loan back in January - and an athletic centre-back so his side could play higher up the field.
When it comes to speed, it is worth noting that Tuanzebe is one of the fastest players at Manchester United.
Tuanzebe is also a leader at the back, who has captained Manchester United at all levels, including the first team, and the defender has showed remarkable composure when thrown into testing situations.
Whether it is keeping PSG superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar quiet, scoring a penalty in a Europa League final shootout or marking Alexis Sanchez in his pomp while playing at right-back, Tuanzebe has plenty of big-game experience.
Tuanzebe was, arguably, Manchester United's best player when he previously played against Newcastle at St James' Park back in 2019.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season Newcastle United preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy
