Manchester United have big plans for the summer transfer window and Jason Wilcox could return to familiar territory to make one signing for Michael Carrick
Jason Wilcox
Jason Wilcox has already signed Shea Charles once(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Manchester United are eyeing two players who plied their trade in the Championship last term as they look to offer Michael Carrick more depth for next season. The club are weighing up moves for Southampton star Shea Charles and Leicester defender Ben Nelson this summer, per Mail Online.
United are set for a busy transfer window as they return to Champions League competition next season, with their midfield identified as a priority. They are close to signing Ederson from Atalanta but are expected to sign two or three midfielders as they attempt to offload Manuel Ugarte, with Casemiro already confirmed as leaving.
The 13-time Premier League champions hope to make a statement signing, with Sandro Tonali linked to Old Trafford but also want to improve their pool of talent overall.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Charles, who missed out on an opportunity for promotion with the Saints following the Spygate scandal, is valued at £25million and was signed by United chief Jason Wilcox when he worked at Southampton. The defensive midfielder departed Manchester City for St Mary's, and was said to be viewed as a player who would 'prosper at the highest level'.
Leicester defender Nelson, 22, is said to be another target following the Foxes' relegation. The towering defender has been watched by Manchester City and Leicester, with Enzo Maresca noted to be a fan ahead of his anticipated arrival as Pep Guardiola's successor at City.
Nelson has drawn United's attention and can play at left-back as well as in his central role. He would be expected to provide depth alongside United's emerging talents.
Shea Charles.
Shea Charles could be tempted to cut ties with Southampton(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
United boss Carrick has already spoken of the importance of the upcoming transfer window, having guided 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."