West Ham cup tie set as Charles nears Fulham move and Larin decision looms | OneFootball

Southampton have drawn West Ham at home in the League Cup second round. Shea Charles is closing on a Fulham move after a Monday medical, while Tonda Eckert weighs a call on Cyle Larin for Watford.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Fulham will pay up to £30m once paperwork clears, £26m guaranteed plus £4m in add-ons, and Southampton retain a sell-on clause.

Eckert has not ruled out starting Larin at Vicarage Road on Sunday. The striker is being eased back after a summer with Canada and scored off the bench at Colchester. Kick-off at Watford is 1:30pm on Sky Sports.

The FA found Eckert guilty of three Spygate breaches in July, yet nearly three weeks later no sanction has arrived. The ruling may slip towards September, so the head coach continues as normal.

Leeds pushed hard, but their bids were rejected before Charles chose Fulham, where he would replace Sasa Lukic and become the most expensive Northern Irish player in history.

Southampton’s priorities point to midfield and right-back. Further exits are possible, with Yukinari Sugawara short of a pathway, and interest in Samuel Edozie from Paderborn and FC Copenhagen. A goalkeeper sale could help, with Aaron Ramsdale and Gavin Bazunu behind Daniel Peretz and George Long.

For a 22-year-old, up to £30m looks strong business for a club carrying a four-point Championship deduction. Cam Bragg could see more minutes alongside Caspar Jander or Flynn Downes while Eckert waits for the right signing.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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