Southampton will be hoping to keep hold of the majority of their squad this summer after missing out on promotion to the Premier League due to expulsion from the Championship play-offs.
One of the players being touted for a move away is Northern Irishman Shea Charles.Â
The 22-year-old midfielder scored last-gasp winners in Southampton’s comeback win from 3-0 down at Leicester City, their 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal, and their play-off semi-final second leg game against Middlesbrough.
Signed from Manchester City in 2023, the Saints have seen Charles develop from a 19-year-old prospect to the matured Championship footballer he is now, and the box-to-box midfielder appears ready for the next step up.
With reports that Manchester United are interested in signing Shea Charles this summer, as they search to rebuild their midfield, Southampton have now been handed a boost, as they hope to keep hold of the Northern Irishman next season.
Southampton handed Charles boost
This summer, Premier League club Manchester United are seeking numerous signings to rejuvenate the heart of their team.
Shea Charles was linked by Mail Sport as one of the Red Devils’ targets, but it appears the Saints midfielder is not United’s priority in signing one of their backup choices.
According to the Northern Echo, Manchester United are preparing to enter the race for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Red Devils’ head coach, Michael Carrick, who was previously on Southampton’s radar following the sacking of Will Still in November 2025, is one of the key driving forces pushing the club to sign the Boro captain.Â
Southampton have the option to extend Shea Charles’ contract beyond the end of the 2026/27 season, but Middlesbrough do not with their talisman.
For now, the Saints can set their demands in selling Charles sky-high.
United interest not red hot
It appears Manchester United’s interest in signing Shea Charles is not as aggressive as it is for Hayden Hackney.
The Red Devils are close to wrapping up the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, and are chasing another big-money signing in the centre of the park. Alongside those two positions, Hackney is looking likelier to be their first choice for a backup signing.
While interest in Shea Charles has been reported, it does not appear to be their priority for now.
It’s a huge boost for Southampton, but the club will know there will likely be other suitors for Charles as the transfer window approaches.Â
For now, the Saints star remains at the club, but a move away could be a reality this summer.
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