Premier League club in 'advanced negotiations' over £25million transfer for Northern Ireland star
Fulham are reportedly in “advanced negotiations” with Southampton over a £25million deal for Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles.
Charles has been linked with transfer interest from a host of Premier League clubs this summer, including Manchester United, Leeds United and Crystal Palace, but it appears Fulham have now moved into pole position.
Last month, Leeds had a bid in the region of £20million turned down with the Saints keen to hold out for a figure nearer £30million, while Palace had hoped to attract Charles with the lure of European football.
Charles has developed into one of Northern Ireland’s most important players, bringing his international cap tally to 35 after starting both of June's friendlies against Guinea and France.
The 22-year-old helped Southampton reach the Championship play-off final last term, scoring a winner in their triumph over Middlesbrough, but the Saints were then thrown out due to ‘Spygate’.
Charles could now be on his way to the Premier League with Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reporting: “Fulham are now in advanced negotiations with Southampton over Shea Charles.
“The clubs are working to resolve the final details before reaching a full agreement. Talks are centred around a transfer fee of around €30m.
“Personal terms with the 22 y/o defensive midfielder are almost agreed.”
Charles has impressed against some of the world’s best teams on the international stage, receiving praise for performances produced in fixtures with Italy, Germany and France.
After Northern Ireland's defeat to World Cup favourites France in Lille earlier this month, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said: "Shea again demonstrated that he’s ready for the game at this level, he’s ready for the top level of the game in my opinion.”
Charles made his Northern Ireland debut in June 2022 – a Nations League defeat to Greece at Windsor Park – and has impressed boss O’Neill with his rapid progression.
“Shea is a player who since we put him in the team has taken an enormous amount of responsibility on the pitch for such a young player so putting an armband on him doesn’t change that,” said O’Neill in 2024 after naming Charles captain. “I think Shea has the attributes to play at the highest level of the game.
"He also has the temperament to play at the highest level and that’s what you are looking for as a captain.
“Whether Shea has the armband or not he is always going to be one of your leaders on the pitch. He deserves this opportunity.
“We all know his quality of passing and understanding of the game.
"You can tell he has been at a club where he has been coached at the highest level of the game but where he has really improved is without the ball...in the Championship you have to do that."
Charles came through the youth ranks at Manchester City before joining Southampton in a deal which was set to reach £15million.
His younger brother Pierce returned to City this summer from Sheffield Wednesday before immediately heading out on loan to Championship club Queens Park Rangers.