Belgium captain keen 

Manchester United trigger Youri Tielemans' Aston Villa release clause

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Manchester United have turned their attention to Youri Tielemans as they aim to strengthen their central midfield options. The Athletic initially reported that United and Aston Villa were locked in discussions for the Belgian international but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Old Trafford clubs have activated a €41m release clause in his contract. Tielemans is contracted with Villa until 2028 and Unai Emery’s men wanted to offer him improved terms but have been restricted due to financial fair play regulations.

The 29-year-old is valued on Transfermarkt at €30m but the reported release clause offers good value for an elite midfielder and he won’t need to adapt to the demands of the English Premier League. The news of United’s pursuit of the Belgian international came out of the blue but it’s understood their attention switched after pulling out of a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Under INEOS, United have targeted players with Premier League experience and their interest in Tielemans continues this directive.

The Belgium captain has made 244 appearances in the English top-flight after joining Leicester City from Monaco, initially on loan in 2019 before moving to Villa in 2023 when his contract expired. United badly need reinforcements in central midfield with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte sidelined with a long-term injury. Andrey Santos is on the verge of completing his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea and they’ve been linked with a host of names but Tielemans could be the next star through the door.

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