Manchester United are reportedly expressing an interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles ahead of the summer transfer window.
Charles is having fun with an attention grabbing campaign with Southampton within the Championship having returned to his parent club following an excellent loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last term.
The 22-year-old further enhanced his burgeoning fame on the weekend as he got here off the bench to attain a late winner within the Saints’ stunning victory over Arsenal to achieve the FA Cup semi-finals.
He also found the online against Liverpool within the third round of the Carabao Cup earlier this season and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with a bunch of top teams starting to circle.
In keeping with Each day Mail Sport, United and Everton are among the many ever-growing list of teams sending scouts to look at Charles as he continues to go from strength to strength at St Mary’s.
United have identified central midfield as their key area of focus for the summer it’s claimed Charles is viewed as a less expensive alternative to the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, who would command far greater transfer fees.
With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving and Manuel Ugarte set to follow suit, it’s not inconceivable that United sign multiple midfielder – and the Red Devils are exploring possible options at either end of their budget.
Southampton value Charles within the region of £20million, meaning they stand to make a tidy profit on the Northern Ireland international who they signed for a fee of just £11m from Manchester City in 2023.
Given he was Southampton’s director of football on the time, the presence of Jason Wilcox at Old Trafford could also be key to United’s interest and their pursuit going forward.
Rangers are also said to be keen, with Danny Rohl having managed Charles in his previous post at Sheffield Wednesday. The Manchester-born midfielder shone at Hillsborough last season, scooping the club’s player of the yr award while also being named among the many nominees for the Championship Young Player of the Yr.
Nevertheless, it’s unlikely Rangers would have the ability compete financially should a Premier League giant akin to United or Everton step up their interest in Charles in the summertime.
Two other Premier League sides, in addition to an unnamed team in Serie A, are also said to be monitoring the highly rated Manchester City academy graduate.
Charles has just over a yr remaining on his current contract with Southampton.
Later this month, Charles shall be looking to copy his heroics against Arsenal when his Southampton side head to Wembley face off against Manchester City for a spot within the FA Cup final.
‘It’s really good. I scored in my previous game here at St Mary’s so to attain again is special,’ Charles told TNT Sports shortly after Southampton’s cup upset on Saturday.
‘It’s incredible. We went to Wembley a few years ago and won promotion there so to go within the FA Cup is unbelievable.
‘It just shows how good we’ve been. Playing at home against probably the most effective team within the country in the mean time and to play like that in the primary half, it’s special.’
Charles sidelined over the winter period with a hamstring injury and Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been cautious with the midfielder’s return to the fold.
Asked if he was ‘offended’ not to start out against Arsenal, he replied: ‘Whenever you’re not starting games, it’s the aim to return on and make an impact.
‘It’s quite tough getting back from an injury so I feel like I’ve been put back in quite slowly.
‘But I just attempt to do what the manager tells me to do and thankfully I made an excellent impact.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the most recent news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Chelsea urged to sign ‘phenomenal’ Real Madrid star after huge transfer mistake
MORE: Amad Diallo sends message to Michael Carrick over Manchester United future
MORE: Nicky Butt predicts who Man Utd will appoint as manager – rules out three candidates