Everton teenager eyed by Southampton if priority target slips away | OneFootball

Southampton are targeting a midfielder to replace Shea Charles, with Jordan James of Rennes their preferred option amid interest from four clubs. If that pursuit stalls, Everton teenager Harrison Armstrong could be the alternative.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Everton are weighing another loan for the 19-year-old central midfielder and Southampton could make an enquiry.

A loan would suit a sell-to-buy summer. Despite banking up to £30m from the Charles deal, a temporary move for a teenager is far cheaper than a permanent fee.

Armstrong already has Championship experience after spells at Preston North End and Derby County. Born in January 2007, he turned 19 this year.

Derby, Middlesbrough and Blackburn have also considered a loan, a sign that Everton rate him and others trust him with meaningful minutes.

If he arrived, he would add depth behind Flynn Downes, the anchor Eckert trusts and currently in outstanding form. Caspar Jander, a £10m signing from Nürnberg, is bedding into the Championship and drawing Bundesliga interest.

Armstrong would be one for development rather than a guaranteed starter. Academy graduate Cameron Bragg is pushing for minutes, and a further young option would keep competition sharp. Southampton’s category one academy underpins that approach.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”