Leeds United plotting transfer deal for £15m Southampton FC star | OneFootball

Leeds United are keen on signing Southampton midfielder Shea Charles this summer.

Southampton could face a battle to keep hold of star midfielder Shea Charles this summer, as the latest reports suggest that the former Manchester City youngster is attracting the interest of Leeds United.

Charles joined the Saints in the summer of 2023, signing for a reported fee that could rise to £15m from the then Premier League champions. This deal included a buy-back clause for City, should they wish to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium in the future.

However, that clause could soon be invalid, as reports from the Daily Mail have suggested that newly-promoted Leeds are keen to add the Northern Irishman to their ranks this summer.

The 21-year-old played 38 times in the Championship for Southampton in 2023/24, as they beat the Whites in the play-off final to return to the Premier League.

Charles spent last season on loan with fellow Yorkshire side Sheffield Wednesday, playing a key role in Danny Rohl's side and winning the club's Player of the Season award.

A stalwart in the Wednesday midfield last season, the future is certainly looking bright for the former Man City prospect, following an excellent loan spell at Hillsborough.

With parent club Southampton suffering relegation to the Championship following a miserable campaign in the top flight, Charles could play a key role for Will Still's side, should he remain at St Mary's.

However, the latest reports from the Daily Mail suggest that the Saints will face a fight to keep the young midfielder on the books, as Premier League newbies Leeds are keen to sign the 21-year-old this summer.

United are in the market for a new central midfielder, following the departures of Joe Rothwell and Joshua Guilavogui. Daniel Farke currently has just Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka on the books in the engine room.

Charles deal would be a shrewd signing for Leeds

With all six promoted clubs in the last two seasons being relegated straight back to the second tier, many believe that Leeds stand the best chance of breaking that trend yet.

The Championship holders go into the new season with cash to splash, but will be keen to make smart moves in the transfer market and go for quality rather than quantity.

Charles offers an excellent, youthful option in the middle of the park, and will likely come slightly cheaper than other potential targets due to Southampton's relegation.

The 21-year-old already boasts plenty of experience at Championship level and on the international stage, with 25 caps for Northern Ireland. After his excellent loan at Wednesday last season, you feel now is the time for Charles to test himself in the Premier League.

Whilst there is no mention in the report of the fee that Leeds would have to pay to bring the ex-Man City prospect to Elland Road, evidence suggests it's a risk worth taking.

If Charles were to succeed in West Yorkshire, the reward could be enormous for the Whites in terms of impact on the pitch, and return on investment.