Southampton are set to close a deal for Manchester City youngster Shea Charles with the midfielder set for a medical, according to reports.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the race for the signature of Northern Irish international, Charles, has been won.
He said, “Southampton are closing in on deal to sign Man City 2003 born midfielder Shea Charles”.
The fee has been reported as £9million which also includes buy-back and sell-on clauses for City.
If all goes to plan Romano says, Charles will travel for a medical this weekend ahead of his move.
If true, the Saints have beaten a host of clubs to the signature of the 19-year-old. Interest was high with Charles considered amongst the treble winners top prospects.
Southampton faced opposition from Leicester along with Everton and Borussia Dortmund, which demonstrates how highly he is rated.
Who is Shea Charles?
The City academy player is a true talent. Playing as a defensive midfielder he has been converted from a centre-back.
He is seen by Southampton bosses as the clubs’ potential replacement ahead of the inevitable Romeo Lavia departure.
He made his City debut in the final game of last season, featuring for 27 minutes in the defeat to Brentford.
However he has already got the Pepe Guardiola seal of approval. The Spaniard said:
“Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut.” He continued ,”He played really good and it’s fantastic for the academy.
“We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed.”
Charles is a fully fledged international with six caps for Northern Ireland. He is also firmly established as his country’s star player.