Crystal Palace 'join hunt' to sign Leeds United target Shea Charles from Southampton
Leeds United could seemingly face competition their pursuit of Southampton’s Shea Charles
Crystal Palace have reportedly joined Leeds United in the hunt to sign Shea Charles from Southampton.
The 22-year-old starred in the Championship last season but missed out on the play-off final when the Saints were removed amid the ‘spygate’ saga.
Leeds were linked with the midfielder last summer and talk of interest from Elland Road has since resurfaced. The Whites are said to have made approaches for the Northern Ireland international, although Southampton appear to be holding out for a hefty fee.
Leeds United face potential Shea Charles competition
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Leeds’ Premier League rivals Palace are now in the race for Charles’ signature.
The Eagles are said to have turned their attention towards Charles after missing out on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, who is reportedly edging closer to a move to Everton.
Southampton are thought to be looking for over £20m for Charles, who they signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
Competition often drives up price tags and talk of rival interest will not be a welcome noise for Leeds fans hoping to see Charles recruited.
However, Leeds could soon have their coffers boosted by the sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton & Hove Albion. The defender is reportedly closing in on a move to the Seagulls for an initial fee of £15m plus £3m in add-ons.
Shea Charles’ Yorkshire experience
Charles is no stranger to Yorkshire having been loaned to Sheffield Wednesday for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign.
He proved popular in South Yorkshire, making significant strides under the tutelage of then-Owls boss Danny Rohl.
His move to Hillsborough reunited him with his brother Pierce, a promising goalkeeper on Wednesday’s books. Coincidentally, Leeds have been linked with both brothers of late.