How Shea Charles really feels about staying at Southampton as Man Utd, Everton lurk | OneFootball

The Northern Ireland international has been linked with a move away from St Mary's.

After missing out on promotion to the Premier League, Southampton are at risk of losing some of their prized assets this summer.

The Saints were the form side heading into the Championship play-offs, defeating Middlesbrough in the semis to reach the final, only to be expelled from the competition after admitting three counts of spying.

Shea Charles is one of those players, having played an integral part in the club's successful season, totalling five goal contributions from central midfield.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a transfer to Everton and Manchester United this summer, and now the Northern Ireland international has addressed his future.

Shea Charles opens up on Southampton future amid Man United, Everton links

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Things appear to be settling at St Mary's Stadium after what can only be described as one of the most chaotic periods in the South Coast club's history.

Southampton chairman Dragan Solak backed manager Tonda Eckert in a recent interview, seemingly standing by his head coach despite Eckert's integral role in the spygate saga.

With the German's future appearing more secure, many will be wondering what will happen with the likes of Leo Scienza, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Charles, who are all likely to be in demand this summer.

However, Charles has now spoken publicly about his future and has shared his feelings about recent links to the Premier League.

"At the moment, I'm focused on Southampton and the next campaign," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"We will see what happens when we go back for pre-season. I'm really looking forward to going back to Southampton."

Why Charles could leave Saints for the Premier League

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Charles has now enjoyed three consistent seasons in the Championship, with Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, and given his ability and potential, it feels like a matter of time until he is playing in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is a product of the Manchester City academy and already has over 100 second-tier appearances to his name, while he already has over 30 caps for Northern Ireland.

A move to Old Trafford feels like a bit of a stretch at the moment, but given Michael Carrick would have seen plenty of the midfielder in the Championship, he will be all too aware of his ability.

However, Everton's interest seems more credible, as they are genuinely chasing a central midfielder, with Hayden Hackney their preferred target.

The Toffees' pursuit of Hackney has hit a snag, though, over the stark difference in valuation between the Merseyside club and Middlesbrough, which could scupper a potential move.

If that does happen, then it is easy to see why Everton would turn to Charles, as he would likely be available at a more affordable price.

Judging from Charles' recent comments, he comes across as calm about his future, and it would be a surprise if he forced a move from St Mary's.

Whatever happens, speculation around the Northern Irishman's future is unlikely to go away anytime soon as Saints brace themselves for offers for their key players.