Southampton are prepared for another season in the Championship after being eliminated from the play-offs.

The Saints went on an outstanding 19-game unbeaten run to finish fourth in the table, but they were also found guilty of violating the EFL’s spying rules.

This meant they were eliminated from the postseason tournament after reaching the final.

Tonda Eckert remains in command of the first-team squad, but is under investigation by the Football Association, raising concerns about his position as head coach, as a potential ban looms for the German boss, who has the support of supporters and the club’s leadership.

Regardless, the Saints will see the transfer market as an opportunity to strengthen their team, with an eye on another promotion challenge next season.

This has led to speculation that the team could sign Dan Neil, who is presently a free agent after leaving Sunderland.

Dan Neil is an effective replacement for Shea Charles.

When asked about Neil’s potential arrival and if he’d be a good replacement for Shea Charles, FLW’s Southampton fan analyst stated that beating out West Ham and Wolves for his services would be a great deal.

He feels the Saints may make up to £50 million in midfield sales thanks to Charles and Caspar Jander, therefore signing a free agent to replace one would be a wise decision.

“This one took me by surprise a little bit,” Harris told Football League World.

“I didn’t realise he was available at the end of the season.

“It’s a hugely great signing for me if we do, especially if he gets interest from West Ham and Wolves, who have both recently been relegated.

“I believe we could sell Shea Charles for around £25 million and bring in Dan Neil on a free, someone who has been promoted from the Championship twice.

“I think it’s an excellent piece of business.

“It also frees up even more money in case I don’t want to attend, as Jander is doing.

“You might look at £25 for Charles and £25 for Jander; there is £50 million in two midfielders, and you’ve replaced one for nothing.

“I think it looks a really good bit of business, it’s really good for us if he’s our preferred choice over West Ham and Wolves.”

Harris has complimented Neil as a top Championship player, having seen him play a few times, and believes it would be a wise decision to bring him in if Charles is sold.

“So, on paper, we get £25 [million] for Charles, get Dan Neil in for free, for me, absolutely fine with it,” he said.

“He’s clearly a very excellent Championship player.

“I can’t say I’ve seen much of him, but I have seen him a few times.

“He’s a good player, so yeah, good business for me.”

Neil made 16 Championship appearances for Ipswich Town in the second part of the season after signing on loan in January.

The midfielder assisted Kieran McKenna in leading the club to automatic promotion, finishing one point clear of Millwall to secure second place.

In addition, the 24-year-old was a member of Sunderland’s play-off-winning squad that qualified for the Premier League in 2025.

However, he slid down the pecking order of Régis Le Bris’ side following their busy summer of spending, resulting in his loan exit in the winter.

Neil’s contract expires on June 30, and the Black Cats have already declared that it will not be extended.

Meanwhile, Leeds United made a £20 million offer for Charles, which was refused.

According to reports, Leeds is ready to make another bid, and a deal may be completed for around £25 million.

Dan Neil would make a fantastic Shea Charles replacement.

Charles has a reputation as a bright young midfielder, but he was inconsistent in Eckert’s starting lineup last season.

So replacing him with a free agent like Neil could prove to be a wise business decision, as the 24-year-old has demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level in the championship.

The former Sunderland player also understands what it takes to achieve promotion, making him a valuable addition in the locker room.

If they can beat West Ham and Wolves to his signature, this could be a wise move ahead of Charles’ impending departure.