Leeds United fans will love what Pep Guardiola said about Shea Charles, it's exactly what they need
Leeds United are being heavily linked with the signing of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
It was reported that the Whites have put in a bid of £20million for the Northern Ireland international.
The Saints are said to be holding out for a bigger offer, though talks are said to be positive.
Charles scored two goals, provided four assists, and had a pass accuracy of 85 per cent in the Championship last season.
Everton have also been linked to his signature, but Leeds appear the most prominently interested party as things stand.
And Pep Guardiola's words on Charles back in 2023, will offer encouragement to the Whites faithful.
What has Pep Guardiola previously said about Shea Charles?
Charles came through the youth ranks at Manchester City, making a solitary appearance for the Citizens at the end of the 2022-23 season.
It was after that 1-0 defeat to Brentford on 28 May, 2023, that Guardiola - who has now left the Etihad Stadium - was asked about the debutant.
Guardiola told a press conference: "Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut. At the same time we don’t play for points.
“Kyle helped him and Aymer and the other ones. He played really good and it’s fantastic for the academy.
“The academy in the last three years, the U18s, the U23s and the first team, three years in a row all three teams won all their leagues. That means the club is working amazingly.
“We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed.”
Where will Shea Charles fit in at Leeds United?
Leeds fans will particularly love the idea of Charles being composed on the ball.
Daniel Farke likes his midfielders to be comfortable on the ball, and dictate possession to work through transitions.
At Southampton and at Sheffield Wednesday, with whom he played the 2024-25 season on loan, Charles liked to play as a deep-lying playmaker.
It stands to reason that Charles could easily slot into the side alongside the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, and look to dictate the tempo.
Charles is exactly the sort of age and profile Leeds should be looking at as they look to improve their squad in the coming weeks.