Crystal Palace are finally starting to become active in this summer transfer window.
The Eagles were yet to make a new signing for Pierre Sage before announcing the arrival of Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer on Thursday. The Spain international has signed a four-year contract at Selhurst Park.
Sky Sports are now claiming that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Shea Charles from Southampton to bolster the midfield department, which has already been boosted after Daichi Kamada signed a new one-year deal.
How are we feeling about this news, Crystal Palace fans? 🔴 🔵
Could be one of the most important deals we do this summer 🦅
In light of that story from Sky Sports, let’s take a closer look at the Northern Ireland international.
Crystal Palace chasing Jude Bellingham 2.0 in Shea Charles
For those unaware of how the Southampton No.24 operates in midfield, he has actually been likened to Jude Bellingham as a result of his ‘languid’ playing style – while GOAL also compare the Crystal Palace target to Patrick Vieira.
Charles is a highly physical – but also mobile – midfielder who doesn’t shy away from a physical confrontation, but also possesses an excellent level of technical ability which he honed in the City Football Academy during his 12 years at Manchester City.
At the age of just 22 as well, the former Sheffield Wednesday loanee can already boast 35 caps for Northern Ireland, and even captained the side during a 1-0 friendly win against Guinea last season.
Southampton recognise the level of talent they have in Charles – however – with talkSPORT claiming that the Saints want £30m to sell the midfielder, who has already been the subject of two unsuccessful bids from Leeds. Fulham are also interested, according to Sky Sports.
Southampton are in a strong negotiating position with a one-year extension clause for Charles, meaning he really has a contract until July 2028 despite his current terms ending in July 2027.
Crystal Palace could have a route to beating Leeds and Fulham to the Manchester-born midfielder given the fact Southampton are keen to sign Justin Devenny this summer, according to Alan Nixon.
It remains to be seen how the situation pans out, but if the Saints really are interested in the Northern Ireland international, Crystal Palace could get the chance to use him as part of a deal to sign Charles.
- Full name: Shea Emmanuel Charles
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 5 November 2003
- Height: 1.89m (6ft 2in)
- Nationality: English
- Place of birth: Manchester
- Club: Southampton
- Position: Midfielder
🚨 NEW SIGNING ALERT 🚨
What do Palace need to do next after landing a new defender in Mingueza? 🇪🇸
