Manchester United’s midfield rebuild this summer could see as many as three additions to a threadbare department, with Shea Charles of Southampton emerging as a potential supplemental signing.
Manchester United’s focus is on bolstering the midfield with a true top-class player, such as Sandro Tonali or Elliot Anderson, but to build depth, more affordable options are also being looked at.
This has seen United looking at Christos Mouzakitis, for example, as a player who can supplement the starting midfield options.
Now, Southampton’s FA Cup hero, Shea Charles, can be added to this shortlist.
You are building Man Utd’s midfield for 26/27: Is Kobbie Mainoo a first choice starter?
Or are you signing two NEW starting midfielders?
Getty Images
Southampton v Arsenal - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Manchester United plot £20m swoop for Shea Charles
Charles scored the winner for Southampton against Arsenal in their FA Cup quarter-final triumph, and now he has caught the eye of Premier League suitors.
According to the Daily Mail, United are alongside Everton as two of the clubs currently looking at signing Charles this summer.
The Northern Irish international is valued at around £20m, and for this fee, Charles could be a brilliant addition for the Red Devils alongside one or two starters.
More United News
Charles is among the very best defensive midfielders in the Championship already at the age of 22, a status that was always going to see Premier League interest arrive.
However, there should be consideration over how much better he is than Jacob Devaney or Toby Collyer, for example.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Jason Wilcox also signed Charles for Southampton
Where Charles becomes an interesting target is in his relationship with Jason Wilcox, who is the current United director of football.
Before joining United, Wilcox was the Southampton director of football, and while in this role, he signed Charles.
Wilcox spent £11m on Charles from the Manchester City academy, and while it took some time for him to settle in, this season he has proven to be worth every penny as the Saints could now double their money.
This being after Wilcox will have followed Charles’ development very closely in the City academy.
What this means is that Wilcox is very well placed to decide whether Charles should be signed. One to watch.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox