Newcastle United are reportedly favourites to sign Axel Tuanzebe in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

The St. James' Park faithful have recently been linked with moves for the likes of Phil Jones and Boubacar Kamara, and so it is clear that they are looking for a new central defender.

However, with the new 2021/22 Premier League season only a couple of weeks away, they need to act fast to bring new players in.

The Latest: Favourites for Tuanzebe

As per The Chronicle, the North East club are in 'pole position' to sign Tuanzebe on loan from Manchester United.

Steve Bruce worked with him while he was at Aston Villa, and is said to believe that he has a 'bright future' ahead of him.

The Tyneside club are 'leading the race' for his signature, and both Tuanzebe and his camp have been left feeling 'delighted' by their interest.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Bruce has already worked with Tuanzebe before, he will know how to get the best out of him, and the fact that he is 'delighted' by the Magpies' interest in him suggests that he would give his absolute all for the Toon Army.

Described as 'outstanding' by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an impressive UEFA Europa League performance against Granada back in April, he has the capabilities to reach the very top.

The six-foot-one colossus already has the experience of playing in the top flight, and can play in a wide range of different positions (Transfermarkt), the kind of versatility that would be very useful to Bruce's squad.

Nonetheless, at just 23 years of age, Tuanzebe certainly has a lot of potential, and can really develop as a player at the Toon, should they be able to sign him.

In other news, find out what 'bitter blow' NUFC have suffered involving their takeover case here!