Southampton told they have 'last chance' to make big Saints sale - Man Utd and Everton are lurking | OneFootball

Southampton have 'last chance' coming to secure cash for FA Cup hero Shea Charles amid interest from Man United, Rangers, and Everton...

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles has had a somewhat injury-hit season but scored the winner against Arsenal to spark further transfer debate about his future.

The win in the FA Cup put them through to the semi-finals to face Man City at Wembley, with the result also extending Southampton's remarkable run of form to 15 without defeat in the process.

It's no coincidence that Shea Charles has been back for 13 of those 15 matches, scoring three of his four goals this season during them as well. That includes a crucial winner against Leicester City from 3-0 down and a screamer against Oxford United as well.

Charles has also evolved from a defensive midfielder or centre-back in his early days with Man City into a dynamic box-to-box presence for Southampton in the Championship. The 22-year-old’s energy, composure, and all-round influence on games has seen him become one of the division’s standout performers.

Southampton reaction to Man United and Everton interest in Shea Charles

Given his form, it's no surprise that, as per reports from Mail Sport, Southampton value Shea Charles at £20 million amid interest from the likes of Man United, Everton, and Rangers in the Northern Ireland international.

FLW's Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders has had his say on the matter. We asked if that asking price is fair and if he sees Charles staying this summer if the Saints fail to achieve promotion at the first time of asking.

He said: "He's a top player. He is a brilliant player. But he spent a bit of time out injured.

"He started out the season well, got injured, and struggled to get back in. He's been a bit slow in getting him back in the side, actually.

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"I don't know why, but he is good. His contract runs out in a couple of years. This is going to be the last time for us to capture a bit of money for him, I guess. I don't know if he will go, though.

"I saw the rumours of him and Man United. [Jason] Wilcox bought him for Southampton from Man City, so he's clearly an admirer. Yeah, he's brilliant. A top, top player.

"He didn't start the weekend, either. He came off the bench but knows how to score big goals, doesn't he? Leicester away, Oxford at home and scores a screamer, and the winner on Saturday.

"He's class."

Charles’ development into a dominant Championship midfielder makes him a must-sign for Premier League clubs if Southampton fail to win promotion. He's shown flashes in the top flight but he is more than ready for the step back up again.

Turning 23 next season, he is approaching his peak years, combining a level of experience and maturity with some potential and room to grow still remaining. Modern recruitment increasingly favours players who are not only technically secure but physically imposing, and Charles fits that mould perfectly as well.

At 6’2", with a relentless engine, he offers the athleticism and physicality top-flight sides are now demanding. Beyond his physical profile, Charles is tactically versatile, capable of operating deeper in defensive areas or box-to-box to try and score, and shows growing composure in possession under pressure.

His experience in a competitive Championship environment and in relegation last term has made him tougher, while his home-grown status adds squad registration value. He also appears to be growing in terms of leadership qualities.

Perhaps the biggest praise is once he has found rhythm, with Charles' consistency such that he rarely drops his level. Altogether, he represents a low-risk, high-upside investment ready for the Premier League. He's someone for Southampton to build around if they go up at the first time of asking under Tonda Eckert.