Sources: Nottingham Forest boosted in race to sign EFL star 'due to his contract situation'
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(Credit: Imago) Nottingham Forest boosted in race to sign Shea Charles, Southampton could accept offer Fri 10 April 2026 16:30, UK Nottingham Forest and other Premier League suitors have been boosted in their pursuit of Southampton star Shea Charles this summer, sources have told Football Insider.The 22-year-old has attracted high-profile interest from a number of top division clubs and sources say he could move on if the Saints miss out on promotion.After a huge 5-1 win against Wrexham last time out, Tonda Eckert’s side have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs in the coming weeks.However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, missing out would mean they could be forced to let Charles move on.The midfielder’s performances for Southampton and Northern Ireland have attracted plenty of interest, including from Nottingham Forest, who hope to strengthen in midfield. 🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom. VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 April that Nottingham Forest are interested in Charles as one of a number of midfield options.Forest had pursued a number of targets during the mid-season window, but have now identified the Northern Ireland international among the leading contenders.Shea Charles2025-26 StatsAppearances29Starts19Minutes Played1879Goals4Assists2Shea Charles’ stats for Southampton in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)His performances have been key to Southampton’s turnaround in recent weeks, including a winning goal in the FA Cup against Arsenal, but he could soon be moved on.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be more than just Nottingham Forest looking at Shea Charles.“For Forest, if they stay up, he could be a good fit for them. “If Southampton don’t achieve their aim of winning promotion to the Premier League, I’m sure there’ll be clubs who’ll be willing to take Charles off their hands.
“Southampton will be really struggling to keep hold of him if they don’t go up and clubs might be trying to lure him away.”Which other clubs are interested in signing Charles?Nottingham Forest are not the only club keeping tabs on Charles’ performances in the Championship, with rival Premier League clubs also in the race.Brown told Football Insider on 9 April that Crystal Palace are interested in Charles and could make a move to lure him to Selhurst Park this summer.Credit: ImagoDaichi Kamada is set to depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires, while Jefferson Lerma’s deal is also ticking down, and Adam Wharton is attracting high-profile interest.As a result, the Eagles are keen to strengthen in midfield, and Charles has become one of their targets thanks to their previous record recruiting from the second tier.Man United have also been linked with a move for the midfielder, while others are watching him closely, and a move is now growing increasingly likely. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.