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Published Jul 10, 2026, 5:10 PM GMT+1
Dominic is a news journalist for Football FanCast, having graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2022, achieving a first-class honours degree in Sports Journalism.
Since leaving university, Dominic has written for websites including GiveMeSport, Football FanCast, Transfer Tavern and Sports Mole, producing a variety of content from transfer news to match previews and reviews.
Dominic has previously worked in club media, working for FC Halifax Town, as well as working for The Halifax Courier, interviewing names such as Pete Wild, Gary Johnson and Phil Parkinson. Dominic has also interviewed the likes of Gus Poyet and Dean Saunders for Football FanCast.
A Tranmere fan, Dominic particularly enjoys writing about the EFL.
Crystal Palace are now in contention to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, in a Leeds United hijack.
Palace are starting to become more active in the transfer market, with Oscar Mingueza becoming the first signing of the Pierre Sage era on Thursday.
Speaking after the full-back's arrival, Steve Parish said: "We are delighted to welcome a player of Oscar's quality and character to the club. His track record speaks for itself, with experience at the highest level for both club and country."
After securing Mingueza's signature, the Eagles have now turned their attentions towards signing a new midfielder, namely Southampton's Charles, despite Daichi Kamada putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal earlier this week.
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Kamada only extended his stay at Selhurst Park by one additional year, whereas there are still doubts surrounding Adam Wharton's future. With that in mind, it would make sense to bring in an additional option in the middle of the park. |
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It may take a bid of around £25m to tempt Southampton into a sale, which should be affordable for Palace, who are yet to spend any money this summer, with Mingueza arriving on a free transfer. |
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Scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the Northern Irishman, saying: "Shea Charles is an ultra-complete DM with physicality to boss senior football & technical ability to control games. Charles has unreal defensive positioning & understanding which is rare for a player of his age." Last season, he scored the winner in the Saints' shock 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory against Arsenal. |
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Charles could perhaps be signed as a long-term replacement for Wharton, with Liverpool in constant talks to sign the English midfielder. |
Crystal Palace rivalling Leeds for Shea Charles
According to a report from Sky Sports, Crystal Palace have now stormed into the race to sign Charles, alongside Premier League rivals Fulham and Leeds, and the latter club have already had two bids knocked back.
Palace are yet to open talks regarding a deal for the 35-cap Northern Ireland international, and nor have the Cottagers, which indicates Leeds currently remain in pole position.
Why Shea Charles could be ready for Premier League move
Southampton were denied the chance to compete for a place in the Premier League due to Spygate, but their star midfielder has been showing signs he is ready to make the step-up.
The 22-year-old primarily flourishes in the defensive side of the game, averaging 2.1 tackles per 90 in the Championship last season, which was the second-highest number of any Southampton player, while 5.7 recoveries per 90 ranked him in first place.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has also underlined the central midfielder's importance, saying: "Shea blows players away at times. I think regular game time at club level is the thing that Shea has been lacking, and he gets that at international level. He knows he will play with us and have a lot of responsibility, and he loves it. It fuels him and he takes it in his stride. He is a massive player for us."
There is arguably no longer a pressing need for Palace to sign a new midfielder, with Kamada penning a contract extension, but should they wish to do so, Charles could be a fantastic option.
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