Eckert provides latest on interest in Southampton's Charles | Daily Echo
SAINTS boss Tonda Eckert has admitted it is "more than clear" that there is interest in star midfielder Shea Charles.
Speculation regarding the 22 year old's future has increased by the week with the latest report coming on Thursday, suggesting that a £24million bid from Fulham was rejected.
That came after Leeds United saw multiple offers rejected by Saints.
Charles has travelled to Germany and played his first 45 minutes of pre-season in the second half of Saints' 1-0 friendly win over Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday evening.
Asked about the club's stance regarding a potential sale of Charles, Eckert told the Daily Echo : "I think that's more a question for Johannes (Spors, sporting director)."
"On the back of the season that he's played, I think it's more than clear that there's interest. I'm happy to have him around at the very moment.
"I can only say how well Shea is in the group and he's been excellent from the first day since he came back," Eckert continued.
"I think he's shown today that he's on a good level to perform and I think the rest is for the club to sort."
Shea 'Clutch' Charles. What a catalogue of goals he's got 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c1M2v84y6B
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 15, 2026
After an outstanding campaign last term, Charles is currently one of the club's most valuable assets.
The former Man City youngster scored what appeared to be the decisive goal in the Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.
He also netted the winner against Arsenal in Saints' FA Cup quarter-final success.
It is yet to be seen whether either Fulham or Leeds return with renewed offers for Charles. Saints are reportedly holding out for an offer in the region of £30million.
Man City are also due a percentage of any future sale after reportedly including a 15 per cent sell-on clause when Charles joined Saints in 2023.
The midfielder has one year left on his current contract, but has an option to extend by a year.