Transfer targets: Part 2 Defenders

With a long list of defenders leaving the club it is cruical our recruitment is perfect over the summer. We will name some realistic and some unfeasible signings we hope to see at the Abbey.

Starting from right to left we start our list with former U Kyle Knoyle. The right back helped the U's clitch promotion into the 3rd division during covid and has since performed throughout Stockport's amazing League One campaign. After making 23 appearences in League One the 28 year old will be itching to reaching 46 next season. What better club to make reach that personal goal for then at the Abbey. A player that all United fans know and love would bring back in order to get immediate promotion. A fullback who loves to go forward and attack can be a great replacement for Bennet if he does leave. Knoyle has all the traits that Harris will be looking for and signing him on a free will be a great bonus for the board.

Up next at right back is another former U in George Williams. The 32 year old has yet to make the intendid impact since leaving CB5. After making 11 appearences in League One last season with Mansfield the Englishman's contract isn't being renewed and is available to sign for a free. A right back who doesn't go forward the same as Bennet or Knoyle does, however is similar to Gibbons. If Gibbons plays at left back then this could create space for a similar full back on the other side such as Williams. Granted that he can stay fit we could have a great reliable full back on our hands. Similarly to Knoyle, Williams knows the club and staff due to his stint at the club including that beautiful day in Newcastle.

As we move left we start our centre back list with a fairly unrealistic signing but a dream one. Ricardo Santos has been let go from Bolton which asks the question of why. He has perfomed below standard last season but has showed his quality for far too long in League One. His body may be catching up on him and a drop down in league may help build his confidence. This signing would show real intent from Bonner and Harris. Having being linked with Championship clubs it is highly unrealistic that we are able to convince the Portuguese to drop down a level opposed to going up one.

A more realistic signing would be Jordan Moore-Taylor who is currently playing his football at Forrest Green Rovers. The 31 year old left footed centre back has played for Forrest Green and MK Dons in League 2. The veteran could complete an elderly centre back pairing with Morrison, however the experience for young players such as Jobe would be immensely valuable. Moore-Taylor could be a great utility player, filling in for injuries and perofming in the cup competitions. He has also played as a left back and a defensive midfielder throughout his career so could be vital with our injury history over the last few seasons.

Last but not least we should be targeting TJ Eyoma from Northampton who is out of contract. The 25 year old made 24 appearences for the cobblers in League One last season and has the ability and desire to be playing week in week out. Eyoma wouldn't need to relocate but for his own sake may want to. Standing at 1.83m and being capped 6 times for England U-19 he would be a great addition to a think United squad. This signing presents the lowest risk and most likely from the 2 other options and could be coming soon to the Abbey. A player that I personally would welcome to the Abbey and think he can command a place in our starting back 4.

At left back I would splash the cash on 24 year old Joe Tomlinson. The best left wing back in League Two who loves to attack and go forward and compliments Gibbons and right back who can stay back. The former posh player will be looking to finally join the best team in Cambridgeshire and what a chance it is. Despite his market value being rumoured at 200k, we may be able to get a reduced fee with the dire situation MK Dons are in after another poor league finish. 5 goals and 2 assists in 40 league games Tomlinson has been played in more of an attacking position which can also help the U's if there's another injury crisis.