Exclusive: Lee Hendrie urges Leeds United to "100%" seal Southampton FC deal | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Leeds United's interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles

Lee Hendrie believes that Southampton midfielder Shea Charles would be a good addition for Leeds United this summer.

It was reported by the Daily Mail that the Whites are considering an approach for the 21-year-old.

Charles arrived at St. Mary’s in the summer of 2023, but spent the last campaign out on loan with Sheffield Wednesday.

The Northern Ireland international earned a lot of plaudits for his performances in Danny Rohl’s side, featuring 43 times as the team earned a 12th place finish in the Championship.

Lee Hendrie makes Shea Charles transfer claim

Hendrie has claimed Leeds have the potential to stay up in the Premier League this season, and adding the kind of quality Charles possesses would boost those chances further.

He believes it is a move absolutely worth pursuing for Daniel Farke’s side after their promotion from the second division.

“Really good player,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“I do like what Leeds have got at the moment, squad-wise and squad depth.

“And I think adding stuff like the quality of Shea Charles, I just think that yes 100 per cent it could be a really good addition to that Leeds squad.

“Because I think they are strong contenders to stay up this season, even though it’s been really tough for teams that have been promoted.”

Shea Charles’ Sheffield Wednesday loan

Charles played 32 times for Southampton in his first season at the club, starting on 15 occasions as the team gained promotion to the Premier League.

However, he fell down the pecking order of Russell Martin’s plans, which led to him going out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.

He enjoyed a strong campaign at Hillsborough, starting 42 of his 43 league appearances, contributing one goal and five assists.

It was reported by The Athletic in 2023 that Southampton agreed a deal worth up to £15 million to sign Charles from Manchester City.

Southampton should be looking to hold onto Charles

If an offer comes in from Leeds for Charles, then Southampton will have their resolve tested as he should be a key player under Will Still next season.

The £15 million deal with Man City means that the Saints will surely want more than that from the Whites in any negotiations, potentially upwards of £20 million.

It remains to be seen whether the Premier League club would be willing to pay that much, especially when they have midfield options like Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu already.