Man Utd get transfer green light because of Spygate in INEOS boost | Football | Sport

Manchester United could look to capitalise on Southampton’s ‘Spygate’ scandal by launching a bid for Shea Charles. The Saints have been thrown out of the Championship play-offs after the EFL confirmed they had violated regulations regarding the unauthorised filming of opposition sides.

The governing body stated that Southampton admitted “multiple breaches” of rules by filming Middlesbrough, Oxford and Ipswich Town throughout the season. This led to their expulsion from the Championship play-off final against Hull City. Boro are now heading to Wembley in their place, while Southampton have also been handed a four-point deduction for next season.

With this in mind, United could fast-track their pursuit of Charles after the Daily Mail revealed in April that the club had shown interest in the FA Cup hero. The 22-year-old has netted against both Arsenal and Liverpool this season and has also attracted 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 triumph. However, this goal now appears to count for nothing as the EFL ruled for the Saints to remain in the second tier.

Charles has netted six goals and provided two assists in 38 appearances this season, with the Saints valuing him at approximately £20million.

While promotion to the Premier League could have bolstered the club’s ability to retain their prized assets, Southampton’s likely continued presence in the Championship means they may be forced into a corner regarding summer transfers.

The promising midfielder was recruited from Manchester City for £11m three years ago when INEOS chief Jason Wilcox was still serving as the Saints’ director of football.

At the time, Wilcox had great ambitions for the then-teenager, snapping him up as a replacement for the outgoing Romeo Lavia, who subsequently joined Chelsea.

Scouts were in attendance as Charles impressed for Northern Ireland during their World Cup play-off defeat against Italy in March. United are seeking to bring in several midfielders this summer as Casemiro prepares to depart.

Manuel Ugarte is likewise anticipated to move on, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle‘s Sandro Tonali both featuring on their current transfer wishlist. However, Anderson carries a staggering £100m valuation from his club, while Tonali has a £70m price tag.

Charles sits at the opposite end of the financial spectrum for United and could prove to be an astute bargain signing.