Leeds United interest in Southampton's Fulham-linked midfielder Shea Charles latest as update emerges

Leeds United appear to be holding firm having seen bids for Southampton star Shea Charles knocked back.

The midfielder was linked with Leeds last summer and transfer talk resurfaced last month, when it became apparent he was firmly in the club’s sights.

Fulham and Crystal Palace have also been linked with the 22-year-old and reports have suggested the former are lining up a £24m bid.

Shea Charles update emerges

Our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post, have reported Leeds’ latest bid for Charles will be the best and final offer Southampton will receive from the Whites.

The Saints are believed to be looking to pocket as much as £30m for the Northern Ireland international, a hefty fee for a player yet to establish himself at Premier League.

There is no guarantee Leeds will not revive interest if Southampton’s stance softens, but a move to Elland Road for the midfielder hardly appears imminent as it stands.

Shea Charles’ career path

Charles is a product of Manchester City’s youth system, in which he cut his teeth in alongside his younger brother Pierce.

He made his Premier League debut in a defeat to Brentford in May 2023 before moving to Southampton later in the year.

The midfielder did not immediately become a key figure for the Saints and was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday after Southampton’s promotion from the Championship in 2024.

An excellent campaign in South Yorkshire pushed him up the pecking order at St Mary’s, where he starred last season following their relegation from the top flight in his absence.

Leeds do already have an array of central midfield options, with Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff all at Daniel Farke’s disposal.

All have been included in Leeds’ squad for their pre-season trip to the USA.

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