Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to BBC Sport, as the club moves to bolster a midfield that has proved difficult to reinforce this summer.

United have struggled to land their top midfield targets so far. Elliot Anderson is heading to Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes chose Tottenham Hotspur over a move from West Ham. A £35 million agreement with Serie A side Atalanta for Brazil international Ederson has also been shelved for the time being.

Andrey Santos of Chelsea is reported to have undergone a medical ahead of a £48 million transfer, with further arrivals expected at Old Trafford before the window closes.

Why Tielemans makes sense for United

Kobbie Mainoo currently stands as United's sole experienced orthodox central midfielder, yet the 19-year-old has not featured in England's ongoing World Cup campaign — underlining the urgent need for reinforcements.

BBC Sport reports that Tielemans' contract at Aston Villa contains a release clause, simplifying United's pursuit considerably. The Belgian has been on the club's radar for some time, and his established Premier League record is viewed internally as a major asset.

The 29-year-old was a prominent figure in Belgium's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, though he was forced to withdraw from their 2-1 defeat to Spain after picking up an injury during the pre-match warm-up.