Leeds and Man United circle as window fires up

Leeds weigh – The transfer window is open until September 1, and the mood across English football is unmistakably busy: Leeds consider a £20million move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, Everton push to sign 16-year-old striker Kai Hutchison from Dundee United, Manch

The transfer window is open and time is already moving fast toward September 1. Clubs are striking deals, gathering targets, and turning the slightest advantage into a sprint — and today’s rumblings span everything from academy heartbeats to £20million midfield prospects.

West Ham have moved to clear a path at the back by letting centre-back Michael Forbes join Dundee United on a two-year deal after leaving the Hammers. The 22-year-old hasn’t made a first-team appearance for West Ham, spending time out on loan at Bristol Rovers and Northampton.

Forbes’ departure doesn’t mean West Ham are done looking either. The club are among those monitoring Middlesbrough centre back Dael Fry as they weigh what comes next.

Elsewhere, Everton are closing in on a Scotland U17 star. The club are working toward a deal to sign 16-year-old striker Kai Hutchison from Dundee United. Hutchison is a Scotland U17 international who turned down an offer of a professional contract from Tannadice. Everton’s interest has landed after United previously rejected offers from Wolves and Norwich City for the teenager.

Leeds’ scouting has also gone straight for the Premier League feeder pipeline. The Elland Road side are weighing up a move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, rated at £20million. Northern Ireland’s Charles is also a player Manchester United have watched. with the midfielder having been signed by United’s sport director Jason Wilcox from Manchester City in a £15m deal while he was at Southampton.

The timing matters for Leeds because Charles carries fresh sting with him. He thought he had scored the winning goal in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough. only for Southampton to be excluded from the final on the back of Spygate. Leeds now want to strengthen the centre of their midfield after tying down captain Ethan Smoadu to a new long-term deal.

Leeds have not gone in only for one name. They have held extensive talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Hidemasa Morita. the 30-year-old Japan international. who is available on a free. But Charles remains attractive for a reason rooted in how Leeds plan their next steps: he fits their profile of younger. homegrown players with greater re-sale value. and the ability to improve their squad immediately. Described as a tidy. technical holding player with the legs to break forward. Charles has also drawn attention abroad through his performances for Northern Ireland. After his composed display against France earlier this month. Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said the disciplined performance against elite opposition proved Charles is “ready for the top level”.

On the north side of Glasgow, Rangers are locking in their own future. Midfielder Bailey Rice is set to sign a new contract with the club before heading out on loan to Kilmarnock next season. The 19-year-old previously had a contract offer from German side Schalke and was offered the chance to play for Jong Ajax. Premier League sides also showed interest. but Rangers made a concerted effort to keep him and he has committed his immediate future to Ibrox.

Last term was injury-hit for Rice. with just one League Cup appearance. and Rangers’ new manager Derek McInnes sees the benefit of regular minutes at Kilmarnock. There. Rice will be under the watchful eyes of Neil McCann and assistant Billy Dodds. who steered Kilmarnock to Premiership safety last month and will be hoping to push on next season.

In England, the centre of attention also shifts toward the continent. Manchester City are in talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain defensive prospect Hermann Malonga. The 18-year-old has turned down the offer of a contract with PSG and has agreed on a five-year deal in principle with City.

Malonga has represented France at youth level and was scouted extensively in the UEFA Youth League while playing for the European champions. He moved to PSG in 2021 from US Senart-Moissy Jugend, and has yet to make a first-team appearance. In France, the expectation is that City may look to loan him out to gain experience.

City’s interest in Malonga comes amid broader questions in their back line. The club are looking at building central defensive options with uncertainty over the future of Ruben Dias. who is among several names on Real Madrid’s list. and over Nathan Ake. Josko Gvardiol, who had interest from Madrid and Barcelona, has agreed a new contract.

For Manchester United, the window is turning into a shopping list. United are discussing a double move for West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and winger Crysencio Summerville, with Paris St Germain having also discussed both players, though they have other targets in their own pursuit.

United have made midfielder Fernandes a priority, while Summerville is also on their radar. Pricing could decide whether any of this turns from talk into business: West Ham want up to £140million for the pair, while United will be looking to pay considerably less.

All of it adds up to a window that’s no longer waiting for the first major domino to fall. Leeds, Everton, Rangers, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all reacting now — and by the time September 1 arrives, the only thing that will feel certain is that the pace has not slowed.

Leeds United Southampton Shea Charles Manchester United West Ham Mateus Fernandes Crysencio Summerville Everton Kai Hutchison Dundee United Manchester City Hermann Malonga Paris Saint-Germain Rangers Bailey Rice Kilmarnock