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Sheffield Wednesday would be gutted to see Shea Charles move to Sheffield United

The Steel City Derby, played between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, is one of the fiercest rivalries in the EFL, but right now both South Yorkshire clubs will be content with how they are progressing this term.

Last season, the Owls avoided relegation back to League One by a slender margin of just three points, whereas this season they are one of the sides who could finish in a play-off spot, should they find more consistency during the business end of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Blades suffered relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last term, but have established themselves as title contenders this time around, and could be on course for an immediate top-flight return.

One player who has shone for the Owls so far this campaign is midfielder Shea Charles, who initially moved to Hillsborough on a season-long loan last summer, but his parent club, Southampton, have exercised their recall option, meaning that his last game in S6 will come against Bristol City on Wednesday night.

Owls would be gutted to see Charles move to the Blades

Following the news that the Northern Ireland international will be returning to the Saints, Blades boss Chris Wilder has confirmed that the Bramall Lane outfit are keen on acquiring his services.

Charles has been one of Wednesday's most reliable performers this season, and has been a real asset for a side who have otherwise struggled for consistency at times.

There is a notable creative edge to the 21-year-old's game, as he has made four assists in 14 Championship appearances this term, while he also scored a 93rd minute winner to seal a 2-1 win over Coventry City back in October.

Furthermore, Charles is a tenacious presence in midfield, who has won 42 tackles as well as 161 duels in the second tier so far this season, according to FotMob.

Losing such a good player would already come as a major blow for the Owls, but potentially seeing him turn out for the Blades could make his exit an even tougher pill to swallow.

Charles could help Blades win promotion

Perhaps most worryingly for some Owls supporters, the possible acquisition of Charles could be one of the missing pieces in the Blades' promotion-winning jigsaw.

Wilder's side are in the market for a new midfielder, following Ollie Arblaster's ACL injury, which he picked up during last November's Steel City Derby.

Somewhat ironically, the qualities Charles has demonstrated during his time on loan with Wednesday demonstrate that he could be the perfect signing for the Blades, who are looking to strengthen their ranks ahead of the business end of the season.

The Southampton man's battling qualities mean that he would be a strong candidate to sit as a deep lying midfielder for Wilder's men, alongside Sydie Peck, who has deputised for Arblaster effectively, or next to former Everton man Tom Davies.

Meanwhile, Wednesday supporters may have to witness their bitter rivals earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, which could be largely down to the contributions of Charles, who has thrived during his time with the Owls.

The midfielder's Hillsborough exit could also beckon the end of the Owls' own play-off hopes, as he will likely prove a difficult man to replace.