Published Jul 18, 2026, 6:41 PM GMT+1

Ben is an experienced sports writer and editor, graduating with a Master’s in Sports Journalism in 2017.

Ben counts experience with publications like The Liverpool Echo and The Lincolnshire Echo. He has covered various sports, from American football to Mixed Martial Arts, but his primary passion is football reporting.

Since joining Football FanCast in 2018, starting out as a freelance writer covering nearly every team in the English football ladder, Ben has progressed through the ranks due to his transfer reporting and built a trusted network of contacts throughout the game.

He now leads the publication’s news team as a senior editor.

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.

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.

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.