Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after moving to trigger the midfielder’s £35 million release clause.
Tielemans, who is under contract at Villa Park until June 2028, has attracted interest from several clubs, but it is understood the Belgium international favours a move to Old Trafford.
Villa have no desire to lose the 29-year-old and offered him fresh terms earlier this year. However, the existence of the release clause means they have little power to prevent his departure if United complete the deal.
Discussions between all parties are continuing as United look to finalise a move that would add much-needed experience and quality to Michael Carrick’s midfield options.
The move represents a change in direction for United, who have cooled their interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
A deal worth £35 million plus a further £4 million in add-ons had been agreed for the Brazilian last month, while personal terms were also in place. Initial medical checks had even taken place before Ederson received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
United continued to monitor the situation during the tournament but opted to pursue alternative targets after the second stage of medical examinations following Brazil’s exit.
Tielemans offers midfield upgrade
Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023 and has become a key figure under Unai Emery.
He played an important role in Villa’s run to Champions League qualification and Europa League success during the 2025-26 campaign, contributing two goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Emery had hoped to build his midfield around Tielemans alongside Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana, although the latter is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury during Belgium’s World Cup win over the United States.
Tielemans captained Belgium during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, although he missed the defeat to Spain after picking up an injury during the warm-up.
United’s search for midfield reinforcements has intensified following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury suffered while representing Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup.
The club have already secured the signing of Andrey Santos in a deal worth £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons and were also interested in Elliot Anderson before the England midfielder completed a £116 million move to Manchester City.
United additionally explored a move for Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham met West Ham’s £85 million asking price for the Portugal international.