Man Utd Get Green Light to Sign Shea Charles After Shock Development
Manchester United are preparing to further strengthen their squad this summer after securing a third-place finish in the Premier League. The Red Devils have turned a corner under Michael Carrick following his appointment as interim manager. The ex-Middlesbrough boss was given the reins after the sacking of Ruben Amorim and has guided the club back into the Champions League. He is now expected to be handed the job on a permanent basis and will be backed in the transfer market. One area primed for a rebuild is the club's midfield. GIVEMESPORT sources and Fabrizio Romano have previously reported the club will look to sign at least two new players in the position once the window opens. Casemiro is leaving the Red Devils after Sunday's final fixture away at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Man Utd move for Shea Charles made easier by Southampton spygate scandal
It was reported last month that United had sent scouts to watch Southampton star Shea Charles in action. The Northern Ireland international joined Southampton back in 2023 after coming through the academy at Manchester City. He was part of the Saints side that were promoted to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in the 2023-24 campaign. He did not gain any Premier League experience, however, as he was sent on loan to Sheffield Wednesday the following season. He returned to the Saints last summer and was a key player in their push for the top six. United also watched him back in March as he impressed for Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off defeat to Italy. Manager Michael O'Neill hailed Charles as 'outstanding' after the loss. The Mirror reports that United could now take advantage of Southampton's expulsion from the Championship play-off final to make their move for Charles. The south coast outfit were kicked out of the play-offs after they admitted spying on three rivals' training sessions. With no Premier League football next season, it is claimed the Saints will now face a fight to keep a hold of their best players and Charles, who is valued at £20m, could now be available.
Shea Charles could be cheaper alternative to Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson
With United looking at two additions for their midfield, Charles could be seen as one option to bolster the ranks.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are all of interest to the Red Devils, but all three players are set to command sizeable transfer fees.
Baleba and Anderson are both valued at around £100m while Wharton still has three years left on his deal at Crystal Palace which puts the Eagles in a strong negotiating position. Charles could be a suitable and much-cheaper alternative, and he has already shown he can cut it with the best the Premier League has to offer. He scored the winning goal back in April as the Saints knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. He is a player that is known well by United director of football Jason Wilcox, who signed him when he was in the same role with Southampton. Wilcox was also City's academy director during Charles' time in the youth ranks at the club.
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