Raphael Varane arrival to pave the way for Axel Tuanzebe exit with Newcastle ready to swoop for Man Utd defender

Newcastle United will push to sign Axel Tuanzebe on loan with Raphael Varane’s arrival at Manchester United set to push the defender further down the pecking order.

United have agreed a deal to sign Varane for an initial fee of £34m with the France’s international’s move to Old Trafford on the verge of completion.

Varane is expected to come in alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.

It leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the options of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Tuanzebe in reserve with Newcastle hoping to capitalise on the situation.

The Daily Telegraph report Steve Bruce wants to bring Tuanzebe to St James’ Park, hopeful an offer of consistent game time can tempt him to swap Manchester for Tyneside.

Tuanzebe wanted by Bruce (Picture: Getty)

The 23-year-old defender worked with Steve Bruce during a loan spell at Aston Villa in the Championship.

Tuanzebe struggled to force his way into the first-team picture last season, starting just four games in the Premier League and just a further five in other competition.