Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles is closing in on a return to Manchester City with the 20-year-old reportedly undergoing a medical at the Premier League giants after a deal was agreed with Sheffield Wednesday.
Charles came through the youth ranks at City before joining the Owls, who were relegated to League One ahead of next season.
The 20-year-old is one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe having racked up 27 league appearances for the Owls alongside cementing his spot as Northern Ireland’s number one.
Charles possesses many desirable attributes for a modern-day shot-stopper, including a superb range of passing and being comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Northern Ireland’s Pierce Charles. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)placeholder image
Northern Ireland’s Pierce Charles. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)
City have agreed an initial fee of £3million with Wednesday – the deal could potentially rise to £10million if certain conditions are met – to secure Charles’ return.
Football Insider have reported that Charles is currently undergoing a medical as the final steps are taken to confirm his status as a City player.
With James Trafford set to leave the club this summer, it remains unclear whether Charles will stay at City to provide competition for Gianluigi Donnarumma or be sent out on loan to continue his development.
If he remains at City under new manager Enzo Maresca, it would likely see Charles feature in the EFL Cup and FA Cup with Italy’s Donnarumma a mainstay in the Premier League and Champions League.
Charles impressed during Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Italy in March, leading to praise from boss Michael O’Neill.
“The saves that he made at key moments, but his decision making was excellent,” he said. “He doesn’t bring any pressure onto his back three, which I think is rare in a goalkeeper of that age.
"He’s got a brilliant temperament. There were great performances all over the pitch, but Pierce in particular had a very strong performance.”
Northern Ireland legend Gareth McAuley, who worked with Charles in his role as U19 manager, tipped the young goalkeeper for a bright future – and believes he could be “worth a hell of a lot of money” in the coming years.
"He gives the game a completely different dimension,” McAuley told the Daily Record in April after encouraging Rangers to make a move. “People have said to me he’s too small, but I say he’s not because he’s so agile.
“He’s got such quick feet that he gets around the goal and his distribution is just on a different level.
"If Pierce stays injury-free, I can see this kid, with his temperament, becoming a goalkeeper worth a hell of a lot of money who plays in some of the world's biggest games.
“He’s that good. I don’t like putting pressure on young players but he’s such a level-headed boy, it won’t faze him...he’s a hell of a player.”