Southampton assess Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny, already familiar with Charles | OneFootball

Southampton are monitoring Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny, first linked in early July, as a potential successor to Charles. According to Sainstmarching.com, interest has not progressed to a bid.

Middlesbrough have entered the race and could pay up to £7m, while Leicester and Preston also admire him, creating a Championship chase for a Premier League squad player.

Left-footed and comfortable centrally, Devenny fits the role Charles may vacate and can drift to the left, something Eckert would value. He came through a Palace side that won the FA Cup and the Conference League. He has also lined up with Charles for Northern Ireland.

Output remains modest, with just one goal last season. He posted a 6.40 rating across 21 Premier League appearances, most from the bench, which underlines that he is a developing option rather than the finished article.

Transfermarkt lists his value around £10m, yet the mooted fee is nearer £7m because his contract expires next summer. The idea would be to bank around £30m for Charles, then reinvest a fraction in a younger option with top-flight minutes who can also cover left back or the wing.

For now Southampton are only watching and rivals continue to queue. The report adds that Boro’s willingness to pay could settle matters before Saints act.

Verdict: 3/5, a low-risk buy with upside but short of Charles for output today. Likelihood: 2/5, with interest only and stronger bidders in play.

Source: Sainstmarching.com