Southampton are closing in on signing Manchester City talent Shea Charles – potentially paving the way for Romeo Lavia to go.
Shea Charles is set to follow in Romeo Lavia’s footsteps by trading Manchester City for Southampton.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Southampton are now ‘closing in’ on a deal for Charles.
It’s claimed that the relegated Saints are striking a deal worth £9million – but City will have a buy-back clause on the teenager.
Charles is allegedly heading down to the South Coast for a medical this weekend with a deal now expected.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for City on the final day of last season but is now ready to leave.
Southampton can offer more first-team football right away and Charles will become the latest player to trade Manchester City for the Saints.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, full back Juan Larios, midfielder Romeo Lavia and winger Samuel Edozie all moved to Southampton last summer.
Shot-stopper Josh McNamara left City for Southampton on Thursday and now Charles will follow suit.
Southampton’s new director of football Jason Wilcox was academy director at City and will know all about their top talents like Charles, with a deal now imminent.
Shea Charles move could pave way for Romeo Lavia exit
Rumours of a Southampton move for Charles emerged earlier in the week as the Daily Mail reported their interest.
It was stated that Southampton were lining up a move to sign Charles as a replacement for Lavia.
Well, with Charles now seemingly an imminent signing for the Saints, the attention will turn to Lavia’s future.
The Belgian talent showed huge potential last season is now attracting lofty interest.
TalkSPORT reported earlier this week that Liverpool had overtaken Chelsea in the race to sign Lavia.
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri added that Liverpool were focusing on signing Lavia with a ‘green light’ on a deal close.
The Athletic then suggested that Liverpool felt £50million was too much for Lavia and a deal wasn’t a priority for the Reds.
That came amid claims from Football Transfers that Lavia prefers a move to Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen whilst Manchester City hold a buy-back clause which only kicks in next summer.
This promises to be a fascinating battle for Lavia’s signature and the move for Charles will only accelerate the rumours.