Cape Town - Axel Tuanzebe has returned to Aston Villa for a second spell after joining the Championship side on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old defender spent the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Villa Park, although an ankle injury limited him to just five league appearances.
Tuanzebe was included in United's pre-season touring party and featured in all six of their friendlies, but with another centre-back expected to arrive at Old Trafford before Thursday's transfer deadline, the youngster has been allowed to continue his development under former Red Devils captain Steve Bruce.
The England Under-21 international is targeting promotion with Bruce's side, who only just missed out last term after losing 1-0 to Fulham in the play-off final.
"It's great to be back. This is a big, big club and to represent it again is a big honour for me," Tuanzebe told the club's official website.
"It made perfect sense for me to return for the season ahead. I know my way around the place now and owe a lot to the great people who've really looked after me.
"It was a no-brainer and now the ambition remains the same as last season - to reach the Premier League.
"I believe the squad we have here are more than capable of achieving it and playing at that level."