"From what I am told" - Exclusive: Don Goodman drops claim on Pierce Charles' Sheffield Wednesday future | OneFootball

Pierce Charles is attracting more than a few eyes with his recent ascendancy to first-team action

Young Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles is attracting plenty of interest from clubs further up the pyramid.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, a host of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, are eyeing the 19-year-old.

It’s little wonder either, given the teenager has already racked up seven senior appearances in the Championship, a remarkable feat for a player of his age, in his position.

We asked pundit SKy Sports pundit Don Goodman how vital it is that the Owls hold on to Charles this summer, amid the intensifying interest.

Sheffield Wednesday backed to keep hold of Pierce Charles

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “Very high potential, young Pierce Charles, 19-year-old goalkeeper, but he's literally played 12 games in total for Sheffield Wednesday at senior level.

“He’s played the last seven Championship games and, from what I am told, did okay, but I’m not sure where the interest is coming from, I’m not sure about how Pierce Charles feels.

“Obviously, having finished the last seven games, he will be potentially in pole position to start next season for Sheffield Wednesday.

“Which, if that is the case, you can't imagine him going elsewhere and being the no.1-choice goalkeeper right from the off.

“So maybe the best for all parties is if Sheffield Wednesday can keep hold of him and see how he develops, but certainly the potential is there.”

Charles would be wise to remain where he is

A teenager rising to first choice between the sticks in a division as tough as the Championship will always be notable, so it’s no surprise Charles is attracting the interest he is.

However, a Premier League move may not be the best thing for his career right now.

While seven appearances is a huge plus on his CV, it is not enough to build an entire reputation around.

As Goodman states, being given the role now, towards the end of the season, suggests he will at least be in contention to start next season as Wednesday’s primary goalkeeper.

If that is the case, he must remain with the Owls.

It’s a turbulent time at Hillsborough Stadium with off-field ownership issues and the likely upcoming departure of manager Danny Rohl, but if Charles is offered a similar role over the summer with the club, that would undoubtedly be the best for his career.

He has already spent some of his younger years in Manchester City’s academy, so has got the Premier League club experience out of his system – nothing compares to gaining minutes in the senior game, and a move to a Premier League side will only take him further away from that.

From Wednesday’s point of view, if they can genuinely put their faith in Charles, it will save them a significant sum finding a replacement and, should he have another promising season next term, will only be further building value for the club.

For a young man like Charles, batting away interest from some of the country’s biggest clubs, likely offering lucrative deals for his age, will be a difficult task, but it’s something he must to put himself in the best position for first-team exposure.