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Man Utd are in “advanced” talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

Unai Emery’s side were not looking to sell the Belgium captain, but Ornstein says a £35m release clause in his contract means they have “little choice.”

Tielemans was a key figure in Villa’s midfield as they won the Europa League and finished 4th, one place behind United, last season.

The 29-year-old is said to have had interest from elsewhere, but he has made a move to Old Trafford his top priority.

Tielemans has been described as “outstanding”

The midfielder played an integral role in Belgium’s dramatic comeback against Senegal in the last 32 of the World Cup.

His country were 2-0 down with 5 minutes left on the clock before Romelu Lukaku pulled one back to make it 2-1.

Tielemans then scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser with a header, before putting away the winner from the penalty spot in extra-time. Speaking after the match, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia said:

“What matters is that Youri Tielemans had the composure and the quality. And once again, we have the experience to take that kind of penalty, because it’s not easy.

“At 2-2, in the 120th minute or even later, when you’re tired, and Youri was feeling it physically, to go and score that penalty is a difficult task. He succeeded. As a result, he has sent us through to the round of 16. Congratulations to our captain. I think he was outstanding.”

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Why are Man Utd signing him?

Director of Football Jason Wilcox has moved quickly after deciding to pull out of a move for Atalanta’s Ederson. The Brazilian was set to join the Red Devils, but a problem with his medical led to the deal collapsing.

The Atalanta midfielder was expected to cost upwards of £38m, and Tielemans is priced at a similar amount due to the aforementioned release clause.

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