Tielemans transfer: Midfielder tells of 'great project' ahead of joining Man Utd

Youri Tielemans has told of moving for a "great project" as he is on the verge of joining Manchester United.

The Reds are ready to pay his £35 million release clause which could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business of the summer.

After a move for Atalanta midfielder Éderson has broke down, the club have moved quickly to secure the experienced Aston Villa playmaker.

Rather than representing a second-choice option, Tielemans appears to fit the tactical profile Carrick is looking to build at Old Trafford.

And for the Belgian international he has made it clear throughout his career that he values ambition and sporting projects over simply changing clubs for money.

He said previously: "When you change clubs, you don't change just to change. You change because there is a great project on the table. For a player, the most important thing is to play. It'll be up to me to make the right decision regarding my future."

If the move is completed, United would be adding one of the Premier League's most intelligent midfielders. Tielemans has built a reputation of being to control the rhythm of a game. His passing range, composure under pressure and tactical awareness have made him one of the league's most consistent performers over the past decade.

Speaking previously about his style of play, Tielemans explained: "Passing under pressure is about technique but it is also about temperament. It is about being calm and relaxed when you have the ball. You have to look around you, scan the pitch and see where the space is."

These qualities are qualities which United have lacked at times in midfield as too frequently in recent seasons, the Reds have struggled to retain possession against high-intensity pressing sides.

Tielemans would bring calmness to the heart of the team. Comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces, he is equally capable of playing short, progressive passes through midfield or switching play with long diagonals.

Just as importantly, he understands when to speed the game up and when to slow it down, giving his side greater control during difficult moments.

His arrival could also create an exciting balance alongside Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. While Santos would provide the energy, ball-winning ability and athleticism, Tielemans could become the team's metronome, dictating possession and allowing others around him to flourish.

That partnership could also work in tandem with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes further forward or simply with the greater number of games next season, Tielemans could be an alternative for Mainoo.

Tielemans has also spoken about his ability to adapt to different tactical roles.

"The more you play in this team, the more you understand the position. I feel completely comfortable in any role across the midfield, whether that means defending deep or pushing forward to create," he said.

That versatility would give Carrick valuable flexibility. Tielemans is comfortable operating as a deep-lying playmaker, in a double pivot or further forward as a number eight, making him an ideal option for a possession-based system.

Experience is another major asset. Having enjoyed successful spells with Anderlecht, Monaco, Leicester City and Aston Villa, Tielemans has won major honours, competed regularly in European competition and established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable midfielders. Unlike many overseas signings, he would require little time to adapt to English football.

Perhaps just as importantly, he has consistently been available. While injuries have disrupted several members of United's midfield in recent seasons, Tielemans has built a reputation for durability, regularly featuring in more than 40 matches a campaign.

At 29, Tielemans would provide the experience to complement United's emerging young core, while offering the control and leadership that could transform the balance of the midfield for years to come.