Everton are interested in Southampton star Shea Charles, according to the Daily Mail. The Toffees are scouting the 33-cap Northern Ireland international.
Everton need a new defensive midfielder this summer, with Idrissa Gana Gueye getting on in age and Tim Iroegbunam struggling to impress.
Also, Everton could be competing in Europe next season and need enough hands on deck.
The highly-touted Charles fits the profile of the ideal successor to Gueye in the Everton engine room. His ability to evade pressure is remarkable.
The 22-year-old has been a key player for the Saints this season, making 24 appearances in the Championship and winning 4.0 ground duels per 90 (59% success rate).
Charles left on loan last season to Sheffield Wednesday, where he won the club’s player of the year award and was also nominated for the Championship Young Player of the Year.
The Everton target also chips in with goals. He has bagged four across all competitions, including the one that knocked out Arsenal in the FA Cup and another against Liverpool.
Those performances have reportedly caught Everton’s eye. The Toffees are always open to shopping in the second division.
Everton should not hesitate here.
Charles looks every bit like a player ready to make the jump, and the Championship has long proven to be fertile ground for Premier League-ready talent.
His mix of composure under pressure, defensive bite, and knack for decisive moments suggests there is far more to unlock at a higher level.
Crucially, this is the kind of calculated gamble Everton need to embrace.
A season or two learning the ropes alongside Gueye might sharpen his positional awareness and discipline, easing his transition into the top flight.
For a club looking to build smartly, this feels like a risk worth taking and one that can pay off handsomely.
