Crystal Palace have joined the race for Southampton star Shay Charles following news that Leeds United have rejected two bids.
Everton are also interested in signing the 35-cap Northern Ireland international and Saints are open to a sale, but the Championship side have set a hefty asking price of £30.
However, with the Toffees widely reported to be closing in on Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, signing the Southampton star may not make much sense.
Palace had expressed an interest in signing Hackney, with Adam Wharton’s long-term future at Selhurst Park still up in the air, with signing a new midfielder also on the table. However, although he appeared to miss out, Rennes’ Jordan James and Charles emerged as substitutes.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Palace are keen to sign a new midfielder this summer and with Hackney poised to join the Toffees, Charles could be a viable replacement. At 22, he is slightly younger than the Middlesbrough star and has plenty of experience in the Championship, having made 106 appearances in the second tier. |
finances | However, signing the Northern Irishman could be expensive, with Saints planning to hold out for £30m, which would be prohibitive for rivals Leeds, who have had two previous bids rejected. |
insight | The central midfielder played 31 league games for Saints last season, averaging 5.7 recoveries per 90 in that time and showing his defensive qualities. His average of 2.1 tackles per 90 also ranked second on the team. |
impact | Palace have lost key players to top clubs in recent years, including Eberechi Eze, Michael Oliseh and Marc Gehi. If a player of Charles’ caliber arrives, they may be tempted to splurge on Wharton at a high salary. |
Crystal Palace plan to take over Leeds for Shay Charles
According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds have already had their bids for Charles turned down twice, meaning Steve Parish and others are planning a last-minute hijack.
The Eagles are optimistic of winning the race to sign the former Sheffield Wednesday man, given that European football will be hosted at Selhurst Park next season.
‘Outstanding’ Shay Charles could be an exciting successor to Adam Wharton
Wharton’s failure to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad could suggest the midfielder should consider leaving Palace, and there are signs that the Southampton maestro could be an exciting replacement.
During his time at Sheffield Wednesday, former manager Danny Rolle praised Palace’s goals, saying: “I’ve seen some really good players at a high level and what you see at his age – his development, his generosity of heart and character, his understanding of the game and his intelligence… I’m confident he’ll have a great career in the top division. Well… I have to say again he’s an outstanding player who will give us something special.”
The Manchester-born midfielder also proved he has what it takes to face Premier League sides, scoring the winning goal in Southampton’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal last season.
Charles also has three goals and two assists in 31 Championship appearances, averaging 2.1 tackles per 90, ranking him second in the Southampton team, showing he is a well-rounded midfielder.
The key advantage Crystal Palace currently hold in the race to sign Charlie Cresswell
Palace have begun contract negotiations with the defender.
