Manchester United are on the verge of completing a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to BBC Sport.

The move would address a pressing need at Old Trafford, where United have struggled to reinforce their midfield options this summer. Their pursuit of Elliot Anderson ended in disappointment when the player chose Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes opted for Tottenham Hotspur over a switch from West Ham.

A release clause in Tielemans' Villa contract has smoothed the path to an agreement, with sources telling BBC Sport that a deal is close. The 29-year-old Belgian has accumulated significant Premier League experience — a quality United have identified as a major asset.

Midfield rebuild under way

United had agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta for Brazil World Cup midfielder Ederson, though reports now suggest that transfer may fall through, despite club sources initially insisting otherwise. Chelsea's Andrey Santos, meanwhile, is understood to have completed his medical ahead of a £48 million move to Old Trafford, with further arrivals expected.

Tielemans has been on United's radar for a considerable period, and his arrival would bring experience to a midfield where Kobbie Mainoo remains the only recognised central option. Mainoo has yet to feature in England's World Cup campaign.

At international level, Tielemans played a prominent role in Belgium's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, only to miss their 2-1 defeat to Spain after picking up an injury during the pre-match warm-up.