Stoke City have asked about taking Axel Tuanzebe on loan from Manchester United.

Manager Nathan Jones is looking to improve his options at centre-back with Ryan Shawcross out for the season after breaking his ankle.

However, his approach for Tuanzebe is expected to be in vain as the 21-year-old wants to stay and fight for a place in Manchester United's defence.

Stoke's approach for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is likely to be rejected

Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have also registered interest in Tuanzebe, who impressed on loan at Villa Park last season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to move out one of his defenders following the arrival of Harry Maguire from Leicester City but the injury to Eric Bailly also means he doesn't want to leave himself too short of cover.

Marcos Rojo remains the most likely to leave with a possible loan in the offing. Though there is Premier League interest, the Argentine could yet go abroad after Thursday's UK deadline.

The 21-year-old starlet wants to remain at Old Trafford and battle for a regular first-team spot

Tuanzebe wants to stay at United until January at least to see if he can work his way into Solskjaer's first team.

United also do not see much sense in allowing Tuanzebe to go back to a Championship club should he be allowed out on loan. They want him to continue improving and see if he can step up to the challenge of playing in the Premier League.

Stoke have also enquired about Ciaran Clark at Newcastle United, who is a target for Bristol City.