Shea Charles could join elite club at Leeds United, one legend loves him already

Leeds United are looking to get a deal over the line for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Over the weekend, talks intensified between the involved parties.

The Saints are said to be holding out for more, after a £20million bid from the Whites was rejected.

However, a deal is said to be close, with Daniel Farke looking to add the versatile midfielder to an already strong squad.

For Leeds, the move makes sense, as they future-proof the squad after securing survival comfortably at the end of last season.

And given the connections between the club and Northern Ireland, Charles would arrive with instant support at Elland Road.

The connection between Leeds and Northern Ireland

Alongside the ongoing pursuit of Charles, the Whites have plenty of history with Northern Ireland.

Between the years of 2004 and 2007, striker David Healy would prove more than usesful for the Whites.

In 121 appearances, he would score 31 times, registering seven assists in the process, before moving on to Fulham in 2007.

Ending his career as Northern Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer with 36 goals, he would retire from professional football in 2013 - now tipping Charles to become captain at international level, loving what he's seen.

"Since the moment Shea Charles has stepped on the field at Windsor Park you have seen quality so if the captaincy is going to be switched around I would say potentially Shea Charles," he said.

Alongside Healy, is a man who had experienced it all with Leeds in Stuart Dallas.

Making the move from Brentford in 2015, the versatile wideman would spend nine years at Elland Road, before calling time on his career in 2024.

In 267 appearances, he would score 28 times and provide 18 assists, while he was part of the group that ascended to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in the most stunning fashion.

Like Healy, Dallas is remembered fondly in West Yorkshire, and will be cheering on from the side should a deal go through for Charles.

Leeds will have specific hope for Shea Charles

If Charles makes the move to Elland Road and becomes anything like the fan favourite that the other two were, he will have had a superb career with the Whites.

Like Dallas, Charles is capable of playing across multiple positions, with his non-stop energy and trust in his versatility being his standout trait.

With the fee set to be higher than £20m, there will be expectations placed on his shoulders.

But, if he can match the character of Leeds' previous Northern Irish talents, he should more than match these.

At just 22, he is trusted at international level, and Leeds are eyeing him up for a relatively sizeable fee.

If that does not point out how highly rated he is, then nothing will, but he will instantly join a very esteemed club.