Fulham in 'advanced' talks over deal to sign Leeds United target Shea Charles from Southampton
Fulham appear to be closing in on the capture of a Leeds United target
Fulham are reportedly in advanced negotiations over a deal to sign Leeds United target Shea Charles.
The 22-year-old midfielder was linked with Leeds during the last summer transfer window and talk of interest from Elland Road resurfaced when the 2025/26 campaign ended.
Leeds are believed to have sent offers to Southampton, only to find the Saints demanding more than what was on the table.
Fulham in ‘advanced’ talks
Fulham now look to have taken in the lead in the race to sign the Northern Ireland international, with Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg having claimed talks are at an advanced stage.
Discussions are said to be centring around a fee in the region of €30m (£25.7m), with personal terms almost agreed.
Posting on X, Plettenberg said: “Fulham are now in advanced negotiations with Southampton over Shea Charles. The clubs are working to resolve the final details before reaching a full agreement.
“Talks are centred around a transfer fee of around €30m. Personal terms with the 22 y/o defensive midfielder are almost agreed.”
Shea Charles’ path
Charles cut his teeth with Manchester City before moving to Southampton in the summer of 2023. He did not immediately become a key figure for the Saints and it was not until the completion of a season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday that he truly established himself at St Mary’s.
The midfielder was among the Championship’s most impressive operators last term and appears ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
Leeds may well end up with some regret regarding Charles, but manager Daniel Farke does have a relatively crowded central midfield department.
Club captain Ethan Ampadu recently penned a new contract and Farke can also rely upon Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev.