Manchester United could just have received an unlikely transfer boost
Manchester United could take advantage of Southampton’s ‘Spygate’ scandal by making a move for Shea Charles.
The Saints have been removed from the Championship play-offs after EFL confirmed that they had broken the rules concerning unauthorised filming of opposition teams. The football body stated that Southampton admitted “multiple breaches” of regulations by filming Middlesbrough, Oxford and Ipswich Town during the season.
This resulted in their removal from the Championship play-off final against Hull City. Boro are now heading to Wembley in their place, while Southampton have also been hit with a four-point deduction next season. The Saints are set to appeal this decision, with a final decision set to be announced today.
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With this in mind, United could accelerate their pursuit of Charles after the Mail reported in April that the club were interested in the FA Cup hero. The 22-year-old has scored against Arsenal and Liverpool this season and has also caught the attention of Premier League rivals Everton.
He was also the match-winner for Southampton against Middlesbrough in their extra-time Championship play-off semi-final victory. However, this goal looks set to stand for nothing as the EFL ruled for the Saints to remain in the second-tier.
Charles has scored six goals and assisted twice in 38 appearances this season and is valued at around £20million by the Saints. While a promotion to the Premier League could have helped the club strengthen their grip on key stars, Southampton’s likely continued stay in the Championship means their hand could be forced when it comes to transfers this summer.
The young midfielder was signed from Manchester City for £11m three years ago when Jason Wilcox was still the Saints’ director of football. At the time, Wilcox had high hopes for the then-teenager and purchased him to replace the departing Romeo Lavia who headed to Chelsea.
Scouts watched on as Charles starred for Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off defeat to Italy in March. United are in the market for multiple midfielders this summer as Casemiro departs the club.
Manuel Ugarte is also expected to leave with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali included in their current transfer shortlist. However, Anderson is valued at a whopping £100m by his club with a £70m price tag placed on Tonali.
Charles is on the other end of the budget scale for United and could end up being a bargain signing. Everton are also credited with an interest as well as Scottish side Rangers.
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