Leeds United are in talks with Southampton over the signing of Northern Irish midfielder Shea Charles this month.
After staying in the Premier League under Daniel Farke, this summer will see Leeds focus on consolidating further by adding starting quality and greater depth.
Midfield isn’t that much of a priority, when you look at the quality of our options there. But, the Whites look to be exploring a shrewd market opportunity in the division below.
Leeds United continuing talks with Southampton over £20m-plus-rated Shea Charles
On Sunday, it was reported that United have firmed up interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. Leeds have made an opening offer in the region of £20million for the 22-year-old.
While that’s already a significant bid for a player outside the Premier League, it’s expected that Southampton haggle for a higher sum.
As the YEP report, this bid from Leeds isn’t the beginning and end of our interest. Instead, this is the first stage of what the 49ers hope is a successful negotiation.
Southampton, per Alfie House, are willing to let Charles leave for the right price this summer. Leeds, of course, are testing that stance in pursuit of a smart midfield reinforcement.
It’s reasonable for fans to wonder if Charles is good enough to make the step up from a top-end Championship team to our Leeds setup.
However, someone who’s seen more than enough of Charles to oass judgement rates him highly. That’s Leeds cult hero and former Northern Ireland star Stuart Dallas.
After Northern Ireland were knocked out of World Cup qualification by Italy, Dallas was blown away by Charles’ midfield performance.
“Shea Charles was outstanding, as was Ethan Galbraith,” Dallas told the BBC, per Newsletter. “They didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.
“He’s (Charles) such a good footballer and Northern Ireland have a bright future with those type of players in the middle of the park.”
During that 2-0 defeat in Bergamo, Charles completed the joint-most passes for the visitors, alongside two key passes, while carrying the ball 222.5m in total.
Such a performance, even on the losing side, sums up what Leeds could be getting from Charles. An all-action defensive midfielder that’s more than capable of getting up the pitch with the ball at his feet.
At 6ft2in, Charles is incredibly strong at carrying the ball through challenges, while getting stuck in off the ball too. Add to that the penchant for the odd screamer, and Leeds have someone certainly welcome alongside Ethan Ampadu and co.
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