Manchester United have taken pole position to sign Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, who will be sold if the Foxes’ valuation of £10m is reached this summer.
Michael Carrick’s first summer as permanent United boss has so far been about steady rebuilding rather than headline-grabbing signings.
Andrey Santos made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham on Satuday, having arrived from Chelsea for £48m plus £2m to help fill the midfield void left by Casemiro’s free departure.
A move for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans adds more top flight experience, showing a clear initiative from INEOS to provide the manager with players who can instantly contribute at the top level.
With so much focus in midfield, United are not expected to spend big in defence.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are all vying for minutes at centre-back, but Carrick is keen to add at least one low-cost addition with four competitions to contend with next season.
The Red Devils played just 40 games last term, the least they have played in a campaign since 1914-15, and repeated injury concerns for Martínez and de Ligt have left the door open for a new face.
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Man United’s summer transfer plans |
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What’s the state of play on midfield? |
Ederson’s move from Atalanta is thought to have collapsed at the medical stage, with Newcastle now considering hijacking the deal. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is being eyed after stalling on a new contract, while Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have also been monitored. |
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Left-wing/left-back priorities |
Carrick has confirmed the left-wing position is a focus, saying “it’s definitely something to look at, for sure” when asked about squad balance. A new left-back is also on the wishlist, with Nelson’s ability to fill in at full-back providing more depth at a position which has caused repeated problems when Luke Shaw is injured. |
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Why the rebuild is happening |
With Manuel Ugarte expected to follow Casemiro out of the club, and up to five further signings mooted, Carrick has stressed it’s “essential to have a strong midfield and a strong spine” heading into a season juggling Champions League football again. |
Nelson has appeared on the shortlist due to his contract situation, with just 12 months remaining on his deal meaning Leicester are willing to cash in this summer for just £10m.
The 22 year-old has attracted interest from Torino and Borussia Monchengladbach, but the price point that looks cheap to English clubs has proved prohibitive for those on the continent.
Indeed, the defender’s agents have now asked the club to let him leave this summer amid interest from Manchester United and West Ham, and it is the former making the most advanced approaches for a player who is desperate to get a big move, Football FanCast sources understand.
The Hammers have been considering Nelson as a cheaper alternative to Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, with Nuno Espírito Santo keen on adding development options as part of his rebuild following relegation.
Disasi thrived on loan in East London last season, but competition for his signature is set to force his price up, while there are questions over whether the player himself would be open to dropping down to the second tier.
Nelson fits the Premier League profile
Nelson possesses all the attributes clubs are searching for in the centre-back market.
Like Maguire, the 6 foot 5 youngster is right-footed but plays on the left side. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and with time on his side to develop further, he could be viewed as a long-term replacement for the 33 year-old, who signed a short-term contract extension earlier this year.
“I’d love to keep him here but he will probably be in Leicester’s first team next season. If he isn’t then he’ll be in the Premier League. He’s outstanding, he has a bright future.” – Gary Rowett during Nelson’s loan spell at Oxford United
An England under-21 international, Nelson played 24 times in the Championship last season, making 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and a whopping 7 clearances per game.
Man Utd eyeing blockbuster move for Vinicius Jr
At the other end of the transfer spectrum, INEOS are considering a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.
The Brazil international has just one year remaining on his contract, with the La Liga giants demanding he either sign a new deal or leave this summer.
Reports have suggested United are the only European team capable of paying the necessary fee, wages and bonuses, with the player himself turning down a move to the Saudi Pro League.
