Manchester United are in the market for reinforcements this summer and have identified two Championship stars who could bolster their ranks
Manchester United are targeting two players who featured in the Championship last season as they seek to provide Michael Carrick with greater squad depth for the upcoming campaign. The club are considering moves for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and Leicester centre-back Ben Nelson this summer..
According to the Daily Mail, United are preparing for a hectic transfer window as they return to Champions League action next season, with their midfield pinpointed as a key area for strengthening. They are on the verge of securing Ederson from Atalanta but are anticipated to recruit two or three midfielders as they attempt to move on Manuel Ugarte, with Casemiro already confirmed as departing.
The 13-time Premier League winners are hoping to make a marquee acquisition, with Sandro Tonali linked to Old Trafford while also wanting to enhance their overall talent pool. United are said to have already moved on from Elliot Anderson, with Manchester City set to win the race.
Charles, who was denied promotion with the Saints following the Spygate controversy, is rated at £25million and was recruited by United executive Jason Wilcox during his time at Southampton. The defensive midfielder left Manchester City for St Mary’s, and was reportedly regarded as a player who would ‘flourish at the elite level’.
Leicester defender Nelson, 22, is reportedly another target following the Foxes’ relegation. The towering centre-back has been monitored by Manchester City and Leicester, with Enzo Maresca understood to be an admirer ahead of his expected appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor at City.
Nelson has caught United’s eye and is capable of operating at left-back as well as in his central position. He would be anticipated to offer cover alongside United’s rising stars.
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United manager Carrick has already emphasised the significance of the forthcoming transfer window, having steered the club to third in the Premier League.
“I think the beauty of the next transfer window for everybody, it’s always the biggest thing in the world, and the most important transfer window of all time for every club, I think,” he said.
“That’s just the nature of how it’s been created, to be honest. And I think, again, as a football club, you want to keep moving forward.
“We certainly do as a football club, want to keep moving forward. So, I think it’s acknowledged we’re at this stage and the dynamics and the balance of the direction we’re at, where we’ve ended up getting to and finishing in the league.
“And there’s obviously work to do. I know it’s quite obvious, there’s certain players leaving, that there’s a bit of work to do.
“It’s not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it’s what’s ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of.”