Manchester United intend to be busy in the summer transfer market and want to improve their midfield for Michael Carrick ahead of their return to the Champions League
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick needs an improved midfield(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are desperate to strengthen their midfield this summer, but are set to see transfer battles wherever they turn. Southampton star Shea Charles was identified as a target last month, and now Leeds have tabled a £20million bid for the 22-year-old, according to talkSPORT.
United appear to have a deal over the line for Atalanta midfielder Ederson already, but still have plans to add more players for Michael Carrick. The Old Trafford hierarchy have sealed a £35m deal with the Serie A side for the Brazilian, with a further £3.8million available in add-ons.
Other prospective targets have seen United draw more competition for signatures. The 13-time Premier League champions have been linked with Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, with each of that trio having a number of admirers.
Manchester City and Tottenham are ensuring there is a great deal of competition in the market, with United's cross-town rivals linked to Anderson and Tonali, while Spurs have been linked to the Newcastle star and Fernandes.
Now, Leeds could be set to pose a problem to United improving their depth in the centre of the pitch. Charles missed out on Premier League promotion with Southampton, following the fallout from the Spygate scandal.
Charles is reportedly valued at £25m, and while Leeds tabled a £20m bid, discussions are said to be ongoing over a deal. The 22-year-old joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2023.
Shea Charles.
Shea Charles is one of the most likely Championship stars on the move this summer(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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United chief Jason Wilcox made the deal in his time at Southampton and, at that time, Charles said to be viewed as a player who would 'prosper at the highest level'. The midfielder has made 76 appearances for the Saints since joining the club, and also completed a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Charles can play in the centre of defence in addition to midfield and has already made one Premier League appearance during his time at Manchester City.
The centre of midfield became United's priority after they replenished their forward line last summer. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all arrived before the club moved their attention to the centre of the pitch with interest in Carlos Baleba and Conor Gallagher.
Carrick has already said goodbye to Casemiro, who is set for a move to Inter Miami, and Manuel Ugarte is expected to depart the club after failing to break into United's plans. Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes stand as the club's central midfield options until Ederson arrives.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Ederson said: "It's practically almost all sorted."
He added: "I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest."