Southampton manager Russell Martin has commented on the future of Shea Charles, admitting that until he drafts in some reinforcements, the Northern Ireland international won’t be allowed to leave St. Mary’s.
Initially linked with the Hoops earlier in the week, Charles is a product of Manchester City’s academy who moved to the South Coast for big money last summer.
The 20-year-old hasn’t particularly set it alight with the Saints, but that hasn’t toned down Celtic’s interest.
While a move for Charles was initially discussed as a swap deal involving Matt O’Riley, it was later cleared up that the Premiership champions want to sign the defensive midfielder separately.
He is not a direct replacement for the Dane, and Hoops fans will be encouraged to hear the club share the same mindset. Despite this, a move for Charles right now is more difficult than it seems.
Indeed, Martin recently commented on the midfielder, giving a definitive update on his future.
Asked whether Charles would be allowed to leave Southampton amid Celtic’s interest, the gaffer promptly responded. “With the squad as it is right now, not a chance”, he said (Daily Echo).
“We need some reinforcements, I think.”
Once the newly promoted English Premier League outfit strengthens and perhaps sign a midfielder or two, then we might hear more about the Hoops’ interest in Charles.
Like with any potential incoming players, you have to look at where they potentially can fit into our squad?
Charles as a player is meant to be playing the holding midfield role?
Yet we already have Calmac, iwata and even lawal as players for the position at present?
So would have thought that any additions made to our midfield areas, would have been players with more of an attacking mindset within there game, than of a defensive nature imo?
Of course it could allow Calmac to be used more so in the more advanced role as an option?
Just don’t see Rodgers using that potential option for Calmac imo?
So is Charles really a better option than iwata for ourselves within our squad?
Can’t see ourselves being that serious as a deal imo?