Shea Charles close to Leeds United transfer after latest on bid overnight

Shea Charles has been the talk of the town at Leeds United in the last week.

After an excellent season with Southampton, the midfielder has seen his stock continue to rise, prompting interest from Premier League clubs.

After suffering a hamstring injury in December, he would miss 15 second tier matches, before playing a huge part as Tonda Eckert's side surged to the playoffs.

Reports on Sunday suggested that Leeds remained in talks - though still in the early stages.

£20million was said to have been offered, with the Saints holding out for more.

Now, fresh reports have emerged overnight indicating that the Manchester City graduate could be a Whites player sooner rather than later.

Shea Charles update emerges as Leeds chase exciting deal

At 22, Charles has bags of potential, while his versatility allows him to play across multiple midfield positions.

This is something admired by Leeds, as Daniel Farke looks to future proof his side after securing Premier League survival.

Overnight, Zinny Boswell of Sky Sports reported that Southampton do want more than the £20m offered thus far, but that discussions have remained positive.

This would be echoed by Jack Rosser of The Sun, who dded that a deal is thought to be close.

Charles scored six times and laid on two assists last term, with his biggest moment coming as the Saints knocked Premier League Champions Arsenal out of the FA Cup.

When fit, the 22-year-old proved one of the first names on the teamsheet - a testament to his continued growth since his loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday in the 2024-25 campaign.

Shea Charles would be a step in an exciting direction for Leeds

Shifting through the gears as the season went on, Leeds would secure survival at a relative canter in the end.

Farke's side played some impressive football in the final days, with each and every member of the squad stepping up to deliver.

After doing so, now is the time to begin building a side capable of kicking on in the Premier League - something the Whites failed to do during their last stint in the top flight.

Charles would be a step in that direction, immediately becoming the youngest within the ranks at Elland Road.

The Championship is becoming a breeding ground for young midfield talents, just look at Adam Wharton, with Charles and Hayden Hackney next to come through.

With bags of potential, securing Charles would be an exciting step for Leeds, who relied on experience and knowhow in last summer's recruitment plan.