Fulham at the moment are able to submit a bid for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, and supervisor Alvaro Arbeloa has accredited the transfer.
After the Saints have been denied the chance to participate within the Championship play-off ultimate because of the Spygate scandal, Charles, who’s valued at £25m, has emerged as a goal for various Premier League golf equipment, together with Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
The Cottagers have now entered rivalry, and it’s clear to see why, with the central midfielder placing in some stellar defensive performances within the Championship final season, averaging 2.1 tackles per 90, which was the second-highest quantity within the Saints’ squad.
Nevertheless, the Northern Irishman can also be able to making a distinction additional up the pitch, in line with worldwide boss Michael O’Neill, who praised him after a 5-0 victory in opposition to Bulgaria again in October 2024.
O’Neill mentioned: “Shea was all the time a participant we seemed to construct up passing, however his capacity now to hold the ball from midfield. At this degree, he seems to be so snug. He’s 20 years of age and taking part in in opposition to (Georgi) Kostadinov who has 45 worldwide caps.
“Shea blows gamers away at occasions. I believe common recreation time at membership degree is the factor that Shea has been missing, and he will get that at worldwide degree. He is aware of he’ll play with us and have a variety of accountability, and he loves it. It fuels him and he takes it in his stride. He’s a large participant for us.”
The central midfielder’s attacking prowess was on show within the FA Cup final season, scoring the winner in Southampton’s shock 2-1 victory in opposition to Arsenal, which booked their place within the semi-final.
Fulham readying Shea Charles transfer
In keeping with a report from The Day by day Mail, Fulham at the moment are able to submit a £24m bid for Charles, which is simply in need of the Saints’ valuation of £24m plus add-ons.
Arbeloa has now accredited a transfer for the 22-year-old, and talks are anticipated to progress, with the Cottagers trying to hijack Leeds, who’ve already had three proposals knocked again.
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Will Fulham signal Shea Charles? |
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Fulham near Southampton’s valuation |
There are encouraging indicators {that a} deal could possibly be doable. Southampton have been holding out for £25m, and the Cottagers’ opening bid is about to be simply in need of that. Even when the Saints refuse to drop their asking worth, the 2 events aren’t far aside. |
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Craven Cottage transfer could possibly be tempting |
The enchantment of becoming a member of Fulham as a substitute of Leeds is evident. Arbeloa’s aspect are way more established as a Premier League membership, having spent the final 4 seasons within the division, and so they have pushed for European qualification at occasions. Leeds, however, have been relegation candidates all through the 2025-26 marketing campaign. |
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Extra established choices out there |
That mentioned, Charles has by no means examined himself within the Premier League, and Fulham have recognized some extra skilled targets. Ross Barkley is amongst them, with the midfielder eager to obtain extra recreation time, after solely taking part in a bit-part position for Aston Villa final season. |
Fulham additionally stay curious about signing a brand new striker, and so they have acquired a lift of their pursuit of AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun.
The French aspect at the moment are ready to promote the USMNT star this summer time, though a deal could possibly be on the costly aspect, as they’re demanding £40m.
