Shea Charles: Man United add Southampton star to transfer shortlist after Spygate saga
Shea Charles is on the radar of Manchester United as interest in his services ramps up following Southampton’s Spygate blunder.
Charles was among the top-performing Southampton players throughout the 2024-25 campaign and has several suitors ahead of the summer window.
Their Spygate saga and subsequent expulsion from the Championship play-offs have each increased the likelihood of him leaving St Mary’s this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Man United are among the Premier League clubs targeting Charles right now.
Michael Carrick is aiming to bolster Man United’s midfield this summer as Casemiro departs and several new signings are eyed.
🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom.
VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBShea Charles among midfield targets for Man United
22-year-old Charles was key to Southampton’s run to the play-off final, and has now completed three successive seasons as a standout in the Championship since leaving Man City.
He already has 33 caps for Northern Ireland too, and despite coming through City’s academy, could soon be playing on the red side of Manchester if they accelerate a move.
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goal contributions | 5 |
| Chances created per 90 | 1.16 |
| Duels won per 90 | 6.36 |
| Aerial duels won per 90 | 1.55 |
| Fouls won per 90 | 1.85 |
| Defensive contributions per 90 | 5.59 |
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’s been talk that Manchester United are interested in him and he’s on their list.
“Maybe (he’s) not at the top of it, but he’s on their shortlist of midfielders as they look to reshape their options as well.
“If Charles seeks a move away from St Mary’s this summer, I think there’ll be a wide open race for him.”
Which other clubs are targeting Charles this summer?
Recent reports have claimed that some Southampton players are planning to take legal action against the club, but it is unclear whether Charles is one of those.
He will surely feel particularly hard done by after scoring the goal that he thought had sent Southampton to the play-off final against Middlesbrough last week.
Man United are not the only club plotting a move, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Nottingham Forest admire Charles too, alongside Leeds.
Crystal Palace are also watching Charles, according to Football Insider, and so a race for his services could be on the cards when the transfer window opens on 15 June.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access
Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.