Manchester United and Everton are just two Premier League clubs that could swoop in for Southampton’s impressive midfield star Shay Charles in the summer transfer window
Manchester United courting Southampton’s Shay Charles
Manchester United are among the clubs keeping an eye on Shay Charles ahead of the summer, as transfer interest grows for the Southampton midfielder.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international made headlines at the weekend after scoring the goal that knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and guaranteed Southampton, currently seventh in the Championship, a place in the semi-finals against Manchester City at Wembley later this month.
Charles and Tonda Eckert’s side are also well placed in the Championship play-off race as the 2025-26 season draws to a close, but vultures are already looming over Saints’ £11m 2023 midfielder.
The Mail reports that United and Everton are among the teams keeping an eye on Charles, with Charles also reportedly receiving offers from Rangers. The Scottish giants are managed by manager Danny Rolle, but while it is unlikely that Rangers will be able to compete financially with Premier League sides, the midfielder was well coached during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
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It’s no secret that Manchester United are planning to revamp their midfield in the summer transfer window, with a number of names already linked with signings in recent weeks, including Elliott Anderson and Sandro Tonali.
Both players will command big transfer fees, but the report adds that United are also pursuing targets at the other end of the market in case they miss out on Champions League qualification, with Charles said to be valued at £20m by the club. At least one midfielder is expected to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, with Casemiro’s departure already confirmed. There is also interest in Manuel Ugarte, who has been in a slump since joining the club in 2024.
Charles knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the weekend (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Interestingly, United’s current director of football Jason Wilcox was in power at Southampton when Charles signed from Manchester City in 2023.
The young midfielder was acquired as a replacement for Romeo Rabia, who was sold to Chelsea, and made a strong early impression, but fell out of favor during Russell Martin’s tenure.
Two other Premier League teams are also thought to be interested in Charles, who has scored four goals in 34 appearances for Southampton this season.
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