Concerns for Leeds with Crystal Palace now eyeing Shea Charles’ last-minute abduction
Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign Southampton star Shea Charles, following news that Leeds United have had two bids turned back.
Everton are also in the picture to sign the 35-cap Northern Ireland international, with Saints open to a sale, although the Championship side have set a £30-million maximum bid.
However, with the Toffees reportedly looking to replace Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, signing the Southampton star may not make sense.
Palace have been interested in signing Hackney, with signing a new midfielder on the agenda, as Adam Wharton’s long-term future at Selhurst Park remains up in the air. However, as they seemed to have missed out, Rennes’ Jordan James and Charles emerged as alternatives.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Palace are desperate to sign a new midfielder this summer, and with Hackney set to join the Toffees, Charles could be a strong alternative. At 22 years of age, he is younger than the Middlesbrough star, and has plenty of Championship experience, making 106 second division appearances. |
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Finance |
However, a deal for the Northern Irishman could be on the expensive side, with the Saints planning to hold out for £30m, which would be unacceptable to rivals Leeds, who have had two bids made so far. |
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Understanding |
The central midfielder played 31 league games for Saints last season, during which he averaged 5.7 in 90 tackles, showing his defensive qualities. A 2.1 strikeout-per-90 average also ranked him second on the squad. |
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Impact |
Palace have lost key players to top clubs in recent years, such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi. Should a player of Charles’ quality come along, he may be very tempted to cash in on Wharton for a big fee again. |
Crystal Palace are now planning to hijack Leeds for Shea Charles
A report from Football Insider reveals that Leeds already have two bids for Charles’ return, meaning that Steve Parish & co are planning a last-minute hijack.
Given that European football will be at Selhurst Park next season, the Eagles hope to win the race that once ran in Sheffield Wednesday.
“Outstanding” Shea Charles could be Adam Wharton’s exciting successor
Wharton’s failure to make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad may signal the midfielder may need to consider leaving Palace, and there are signs the Southampton maestro could be a happy destination.
During his time with Sheffield Wednesday, Palace’s intentions were praised by former manager Danny Rohl, who said: “I have seen very good players at the top level, and what I see at his age – how he has developed, his open-mindedness and character, his understanding of the game and intelligence… I am sure he will have a great career at the top level. Let’s see… I must say again, he is a great player who gives us something special.”
The Manchester native has already shown he has what it takes to compete against Premier League sides, scoring in Southampton’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal last season.
Charles also chipped in with three goals and two assists in 31 outings, with an average of 2.1 shots per 90 putting him second in the Southampton team, showing that he is a complete midfielder.
A key advantage is that Crystal Palace are now in the race to sign Charlie Cresswell
Palace have opened negotiations to sign the defender.
