‘Extraordinary’ Charles has remained professional

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has praised the professionalism of midfielder Shea Charles amid talk of him leaving the club.

Fulham have now agreed a deal worth up to £30m for the 22-year-old who – subject to a medical – will become the most expensive Northern Irish footballer of all time.

Charles joined Saints in 2023 and made 76 appearances during his time at St Mary’s, scoring six goals.

On Saturday he was an unused substitute against Colchester United in the EFL Cup and afterwards was seen applauding the fans on his own in what appeared to be a farewell gesture.

“It’s not a secret that there have been some conversations going on,” Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

“The only thing that I can say is that Shea has been so professional with all of the noise around him, especially for a young player it’s not easy.

“His behaviour has been extraordinary and I told this to him that it’s not normal, especially if you look left and right how other players can react if there is some noise about them.

“He’s been extraordinary in the way that he’s presented himself and let’s see what the next days bring.”

Last season in particular saw Charles step up as a key member of the team, scoring all six of his Saints goals across the campaign, including some memorable strikes.

His late winners against Leicester and Arsenal will not be forgotten in a hurry by the Southampton fans.

Neither will his stoppage-time winner against Middlesbrough in the second leg of their play-off semi-final which at the time looked to have booked Saints a date at Wembley, only to be banned from facing Hull City.

• You dream of these moments – Saints hero Charles