Leeds United rejected loan deal for Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe?

Leeds United have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.

The 25-year-old completed a loan move on transfer deadline day to Championship side Stoke City until the end of the season.

Tuanzebe has been working hard on his fitness, and he recently returned to United training after recovering from injury.

The 25-year-old has not featured in a matchday squad for the Red Devils this season, and he is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

As a result, Erik ten Hag was happy for Tuanzebe to leave on loan and have the opportunity to gain valuable playing time.

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According to The Athletic, Leeds United were offered the chance to sign the defender on the final day of the January transfer window, but they ultimately decided against the deal.

With the Yorkshire club only one point above the relegation zone, they were believed to be interested in signing another centre-back to assist in their fight to remain in the Premier League.

Maximilian Wober joined the club earlier in the January window, but Diego Llorente's loan departure leaves Leeds with four frontline central defenders, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Wober.

After Leeds boss Marsch turned down the opportunity to sign Tuanzebe, the Man United academy graduate agreed to join Stoke.

Tuanzebe arrives as a replacement for Australia international Harry Souttar, who completed a move to Leicester City.

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The former England Under 21 international has previously experienced three separate loan spells at Aston Villa, and he spent the second half of last season on loan with Serie A side Napoli.

Tuanzebe has enjoyed previous success in the Championship, winning promotion via the playoffs with Aston Villa in 2019.

However, a top-six finish is most likely out of reach for Stoke, who currently sit in 18th place, seven points above the relegation zone and 10 points adrift of the playoffs.

Having recently returned from injury, it remains to be seen whether Tuanzebe will be fit for Stoke's away trip to Luton Town on Saturday.