Yahoo Sports No chance I'd have joined Sheff Utd - Charles
On-loan Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Shea Charles has said he would not have joined cross-city rivals Sheffield United this month.
The 21-year-old was recalled by parent club Southampton two weeks ago, with Blades manager Chris Wilder saying he was a player they would be interested in signing.
However, the Owls agreed a new loan deal with Saints to keep the Northern Ireland international until the end of the season.
"It was a weird one. Any interest is good interest but I was always focused on staying here," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
When asked if he could have made the move to United he added: "Nah, no chance."
Charles has been ever-present for Wednesday in the league since joining from the Premier League club on 27 August.
His recall was unexpectedly announced by owner Dejphon Chansiri at a fans' forum, hours after he had previously said that Charles would be staying for the remainder of the season.
The former Manchester City man said he was "relieved" the situation had now been resolved.
"It's been a little bit chaotic. The deadline for my recall was the 15th and I got recalled then. It was very last minute," he added.
"I didn't know what I was doing for that seven-day period. I was relieved and happy when it got sorted.
"I came here for a season-long loan and I didn't want to cut it short. It's a great group because it's a great group of lads and a good coaching staff.
"Everyone around the club is really good and we're pushing for something."
Charles feeling at home at Hillsborough
Charles joined Southampton from City in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed fee and made 32 league appearances as they won promotion via the play-offs.
However, he featured less frequently towards the end of the season and former boss Russell Martin was content to allow him to go out on loan.
When it was announced his temporary stay would be cut short, Wednesday defender Di'Shon Bernard called him "irreplaceable", while boss Danny Rohl said he was an "outstanding talent".
Charles has helped the Owls to push for a top-six spot and said that staying at the club until May was best for all parties.
"I'd like to think it had a good influence because I was quite firm in staying here. My agent knew that and Southampton knew that," he said.
"They've seen I've progressed well this season and I think they're more than happy to see me finish the season.
"This is a big club and there's a good coaching staff and team to learn from. It's a good place to stay.
"I've only been here a short time so to have that good connection with the fans makes me happy and even more confident. Every week you are playing for the fans and when you have that kind of relationship it makes it so much easier.
"From the very start the team has been so good. They made me feel at home straight away and when they're saying stuff like that about me it makes me proud to be their team-mate."
