Everton could be mystery Premier League club for Shea Charles as Southampton exit on cards
Everton have Shea Charles on their list of midfield targets and may be seriously considering a move to sign the Southampton star, who looks Premier League-bound.
The 22-year-old was a key player for the Saints last season, scoring against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final, as well as the winner in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.
However, Southampton's involvement in the Spygate scandal meant their win over Boro was overturned, as Charles is among others who could depart following the disappointment.
The Toffees have Hayden Hackney in their sights, but anxiety is growing around their ability to strike a deal, with Crystal Palace readying a £20million bid.
If they were to miss out on Hackney, who appears to be the Blues' number one midfield target, then they won't be short of another good option to try and sign.
That's because they've done their background checks on Charles, who is now said to be "likely" to join an unnamed Premier League club.
Everton could be club Shea Charles joins in latest update
Everton are yet to return with a third offer for Hackney after their previous two were declined by Boro.
It's said that the two sides are still a ways apart in terms of valuation, despite the Championship Player of the Season wanting to move to Hill Dickinson.
Regardless, Charles is the only other player who has been mentioned as someone Everton may sign if a deal for Hackney falls through.
The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Manchester United are all but out of the running to sign Charles.
However, the Northern Ireland international is said to be likely to join another Premier League side, though that specific club has yet to be named.
It could be the Toffees.
Charles just showed why Everton should sign him vs France
Charles was left gutted that Southampton were kicked out of the EFL Championship play-off final, like other Saints stars.
Southampton expect to lose some key stars this summer, with striker Ross Stewart already set to leave the club after failing to agree to a new contract amid the Spygate fallout.
However, Charles is certainly putting himself in the transfer market with recent performances for Northern Ireland, grabbing a wonderful assist against France on Monday, outmuscling Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano.
The Manchester City academy graduate is ready for the step up to the top flight, and if Everton can't land Hackney, he is the next best option to go for.