Manchester United close in on £35m Tielemans deal to fill Casemiro void

Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with transfer journalist David Ornstein confirming the Red Devils are in talks with the Belgian international and that the club intends to trigger his £35 million release clause.

The move addresses a pressing need in United’s midfield after veteran Casemiro departed at the end of the season when his contract expired. The Brazilian played 35 games last season, contributing important goals as United secured their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Manager Michael Carrick has identified replacing Casemiro as his top priority heading into the summer.

Tielemans, 29, captained Belgium at the 2026 World Cup and was a key figure in the Aston Villa side that finished fourth in the Premier League last season while also winning the Europa League. He scored Villa’s opening goal in their 3-0 Europa League final victory with a volley from a set-piece, though he did miss some time during the campaign through injury.

The transfer is expected to be relatively straightforward given the existence of the release clause. Tielemans is reported to be keen on the move to Old Trafford, and his arrival would follow that of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, whose deal to join United was agreed last week.

Transfermarkt currently value Tielemans at €30 million, placing United’s £35 million outlay slightly above that estimate. Should the deal be completed as expected, he is likely to join the squad in the latter stages of pre-season.