Leeds United are in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles this summer, having lodged an opening £20million-plus bid.
The Whites are in the hunt for a bright start to the summer transfer window, which could include a handful of statement signings.
Included in that is the emerging efforts to land Championship midfield star Shea Charles from Southampton.
Leeds United edging closer in Shea Charles talks after opening £20million offer
The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones has reported on Sunday that Leeds’ initial interest in the Northern Ireland international has culminated in an offer of £20million-plus.
It sees Leeds firm up their admiration in an incredibly talented, versatile midfielder that looks set for Premier League football one way or another soon.
However, this report was swiftly followed by the Echo’s Alfie House. He revealed that the Saints are unlikely to do business in the region of £20million, looking to demand more.
Charles’ current contract runs for another 12 months until the summer of 2027. However, the Saints hold the option of a further year, essentially meaning he’s tied down for two more years.
Manchester City sell-on clause means Southampton drive hard Shea Charles bargain
Not only are Leeds having to negotiate a value-for-money transfer on Charles, but Leeds have to work past a significant obstacle Southampton are facing.
The Saints bought Charles for a reported £15million package from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023. In the process, the Citizens included a buy-back option as well as a “sizeable sell-on clause” – per the MEN.
While the percentage is unspecified, we can assume that would be 20%-plus heading to the Etihad. Even though most sell-on clauses pertain to profit made on the initial fee, it would see Southampton’s portion of Charles’ sale to Leeds reduced significantly.
Hence, we can expect Southampton to try squeeze every drop out of this transfer with Man City taking their cut.
How much more Southampton are looking for remains to be seen. House added to his update on X by sharing that the Saints have made it clear they’re willing to do business on Charles, so Leeds can’t be a million miles away.
Leeds United could be getting a serious coup in Shea Charles from Southampton
The money being talked about is causing some fans to baulk.
‘How much for a Championship player who isn’t guaranteed to start?’ Many are saying.
But, the potential that Charles possesses, alongside being a superb fit for the squad that we’re building, makes this a serious coup in the making.
Given the successes of our recruitment since promotion, even before that, I have full faith in this one. I think there’s so much to like about this deal for Leeds.
He has more than enough quality to be a very good squad player already. And, there’s every chance he becomes a player worth double this valuation in no time at all.
Man City added that sell-on clause and buyback because they fully expect that Charles will become a Premier League-level player.
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