All of the excitement around Manchester United is aimed at the marquee addition of Matheus Cunha. However, there are other deals being worked on as well.
Just like last summer, the transfer window will see two types of deals being done.
Firstly, the obvious first team star signings, which Manchester United’s £62.5m agreement to sign Matheus Cunha belongs in.
The club is expected to be targeting a minimum of four first-team additions to bolster a struggling team. However, with several big sales expected, there could be further business done.
These signings will take the headlines, but in the background, there will also be youth signings, which United have already been busy with.
United have agreed to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, with the teenager expected to arrive at the club next month. In addition, French youngster Enzo Kana-Biyik has agreed to join for free.
But now, Jason Wilcox is looking to repeat the signing of Ayden Heaven.
Photo by Hari Anggara/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Hari Anggara/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Manchester United lead race to sign Harley Emsden-James
The signing of Heaven from Arsenal already looks like an absolute bargain. With the success of the former Arsenal defender clear, Wilcox and Ineos’ recruitment plan has been justified.
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Now, it has been reported by the Daily Mail that United are looking to sign Southampton centre-back Harley Emsden-James.
The 16-year-old defender could be available for as little as £1m compensation this summer. However, there is no shortage of interest, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham also showing an interest.
However, regardless of this interest, United are hopeful of winning the race and are thought to be leading the race for his signature, thanks to the influence of Wilcox, who is pushing for the deal to sign the England youth star.
Wilcox worked for Southampton before moving to be the United technical director, and so could have had a good look at the teenager. As a player, Emsden-James is said to be the perfect modern centre-back, being strong, mobile, and good on the ball.
Emsden-James’ signing would be unlike Heaven in that he is an under-18 player right now but is among the most exciting in the country, having made his under-18 debut aged 14.
However, the comparisons are clear to Heaven in that it is a low-risk risk high-reward transfer, which makes complete sense. United will likely look at a few deals like this, with Ineos also keen on Anton and Bailey Palmer from Middlesbrough.
Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Jason Wilcox’s transfer business
Signing talented youngsters will have little to do with Amorim and everything to do with Wilcox, and also Christopher Vivell. It is a conscious effort from Ineos to recruit talented young players for the future.
However, in the case of Heaven, his impact came immediately.
Still just 18, Amorim thanked Wilcox for signing Heaven, admitting he felt the technical director was doing a great job.
“Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing in players like this to the club.
“Ayden showed his character after the big injury. We want this kind of player.”
Due to this and also the success Sekou Kone has had thus far, we would imagine that there will be a few signings like this in the summer transfer window.