Leeds blow Manchester United out the water with latest mega bid for Shea Charles

Leeds United are keen to beat Manchester United to the signing of Southampton star Shea Charles this summer.

Although Man United have almost sealed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to continue bolstering his central options at Old Trafford.

Charles, 22, was a key player for Southampton last season as they reached the Championship play-offs, only to be booted out of it by the EFL after the south coast club was caught spying on Middlesbrough ahead of a semi-final victory.

In a deep-lying midfield role, the Manchester-born Northern Ireland international showcased that he can be vital both on and off the ball for the Saints, after previously being mentored by ex-Leeds star Kalvin Phillips during his time at Manchester City.

Leeds are now looking at signing the ex-Etihad sensation this summer.

However, they have some stiff competition to beat if they want to land Charles' signature, while Southampton themselves have so far dug their heels into the sand over selling their star man.

Southampton respond to Leeds bid for Shea Charles

Leeds have already seen a £20million bid for Charles rejected by Southampton.

According to an update by The Mirror on 23 June, the Whites tabled that offer in a bid to "steal a march" on Man United as they seek further midfield reinforcements.

Southampton, however, want more than what Leeds are currently offering for the former Sheffield Wednesday loanee.

The Athletic reported on Monday that talks are ongoing between all parties, but it seems that in order to blow hijack Man United's efforts to sign Charles, Leeds are going to have to stump up more cash.

What Charles' arrival would mean for Leeds' existing midfield crop

If Leeds are going to spend north of £20m on bringing Charles to Elland Road, they're bound to see the 22-year-old as a first-team starter.

If that's the case, Daniel Farke is going to have to decide which of his existing midfielders will need to make way for the 2024-25 Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Year.

Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were the two main defensive midfielders that Farke used in the second half of last season.

With Ampadu wearing the captain's armband and generally impressing in the Premier League - as well as having superior stats to Charles - it feels unlikely that the Wales international will be going anywhere, which shines a spotlight on Gruev.

The Bulgarian does know how it feels to be sat on the bench under Farke though; last season, he was named as a substitute on 18 occasions in the Premier League.

It's a question of whether or not the former Werder Bremen ace would accept a reduced role in the 2026-27 campaign and whether that would see him look to leave Elland Road.