Celtic have been linked with 20-year-old Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who moved to St Mary's last year from Manchester City.

According to The Sun, the Parkhead side are interested in moving for Charles, who helped Southampton return to the English Premier League via the play-offs from the Championship last campaign.

Charles, who turns 21 in October, is a Northern Ireland internationalist and product of the Man City youth academy initiative. In 2023, the defensive/holding midfielder made one league appearance under Pep Guardiola.

According to Transfermarkt, Charles is under contract with newly-promoted Southampton until the summer of 2027, meaning assuming this report is true, Celtic may consider an approach to bring the player to Glasgow on loan.

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In the meantime, Matt O'Riley is still a Celtic player despite increased interest elsewhere.

Southampton are among the clubs rumoured to be interested in the 23-year-old's services for the forthcoming season, which has sparked social media chatter about a combined deal being struck involving a fee and Charles.

Celtic, on the other hand, kick off the defence of their Scottish Premiership this Sunday when they host Kilmarnock at home.

Brendan Rodgers has so far signed goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Vil Sinisalo during this transfer window – which closes on Friday, August 30 at 11.30pm.