Shea Charles is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest among a number of Premier League clubs after his performances for Southampton this season.
The 22-year-old, who scored the late winner as Southampton beat Arsenal in the FA Cup, could be available if the Saints fail in their bid for promotion.
Southampton are currently seventh in the table, although a victory against sixth-placed Wrexham on 7 April would see them leapfrog their rivals into the playoff places.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Nottingham Forest are watching Charles closely in case he becomes available.
Vitor Pereira’s side are keen to add at least one new midfielder to their squad this summer after missing out in January, with Nottingham Forest preparing for a busy window.
Why do Nottingham Forest want to sign Shea Charles?
Pereira’s hope of strengthening his midfield could become more desperate as Brown told Football Insider that Elliot Anderson is set to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.
However, Forest have been keen to strengthen their options since the mid-season window, with scouts keeping a close eye on a number of potential targets.
Shea Charles Stats 2025-26
Appearances 28
Starts 18
Minutes Played 1789
Goals 4
Assists 1
Shea Charles’ stats for Southampton in 2025-26. (via Transfermarkt)
Charles’ performances have stood out for both Southampton and Northern Ireland and there is now a belief he could be ready for the Premier League.
“Shea Charles is one a few clubs have been looking at,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s been very impressive for Southampton this season and he’s looked good for Northern Ireland as well, he’s got international experience behind him.
“Nottingham Forest are one of the clubs looking at him because they want a new midfielder.
“He’s one of a few who have been on their radar, but they’ve been keeping tabs on his performances and I’m sure they like what they’ve seen.
“If Southampton don’t get promoted or even miss out on the playoffs, he could move on because he’s ready for the step up to the Premier Leauge.
“There’s a lot of interest, which means his price tag might be pushed up, so we’ll see if any clubs are willing to pay the price but that might be good for Southampton.”
Who else is on Nottingham Forest’s list of targets?
Charles is not the only Championship midfielder of interest to Forest as they scour the second tier in search of reinforcement for their squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 April that Nottingham Forest want to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough if they miss out on promotion.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium this summer with a number of top division clubs tracking his progress.
However, Middlesbrough’s ambitions of keeping him at the club will depend on whether they achieve promotion from the Championship after dropping to third.
Forest saw an offer for Hackney turned down by Middlesbrough on the final day of the mid-season window, but could be tempted to return this summer.
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