Shea Charles will be watching the World Cup from afar, as the Southampton star failed to qualify for the world's biggest competition with his nation of Northern Ireland, unfortunately.
This disappointment hasn't stopped him from impressing for Michael O'Neill's nearly-men, however, with a recent friendly showing against France that showcased Charles as a calm and cool operator from the central ranks.
With a stellar 2025/26 season also under his belt for the Saints, it will surely be a losing battle this summer for Tonda Eckert's men to keep their impressive number 24 around, as Leeds United begin to sniff around for his in-demand services.
Southampton face losing battle to keep Charles
In July 2023, Southampton gambled forking out £15m for Charles.
At the time, the Manchester-born starlet had only really been exposed to the youth pitches of boyhood side Manchester City, but he has since taken to the senior game like a duck to water for the South Coast outfit.
This season just gone saw the skilful midfielder come into his own for both club and country, with extended runs in the Northern Ireland team under O'Neill coinciding with four goals and two assists being put away for Eckert and Co in the Championship.
Averaging a standout 85% pass accuracy per Championship clash, too, it's clear that Charles' next step is a return to the Premier League, with the number 24 only ever making one top-flight appearance for Pep Guardiola's men, before spreading his wings.
Leeds United could open up a path back to the big time for the 6-foot-2 ace, with reports suggesting that the Whites are considering a £20m bid this summer.
Previously on Manchester United's agenda, as well, which would be a controversial switch considering his past City allegiances, it's clear that the Saints are swimming against the tide when it comes to keeping one of their star assets.
It's not just Charles piquing the interest of Daniel Farke's side, as this surprise star could also be on the move to Elland Road this transfer window, alongside the in-demand Northern Irishman.
Another surprise star is being looked at by Leeds
Southampton fans will be gutted if Charles does walk away from St. Mary's shortly, but he undoubtedly has a career at the very top in his sights.
There won't be too many grumbles, on the contrary, if Aaron Ramsdale were to up and leave the Saints in the coming weeks, with the 28-year-old only keeping four clean sheets to date on the South Coast from 32 appearances.
Out on loan at Newcastle United last season, there seems to be no way back into the first team picture for Ramsdale on his return, with the reliable Daniel Peretz now a permanent fixture.
Despite his notable wobbles with the Saints, with Ramsdale himself even admitting his spell with Southampton was "frustrating" during the early stages of the 2024/25 season, he remains a sellable asset, as he does boast 42 Premier League clean sheets under his belt.
This experience of the top league, irrespective of his stock falling in recent times, means Leeds might be willing to take a risk on snapping up the five-time England international at some stage this summer, as per Football Insider.
Southampton will happily cash in if Leeds' interest becomes more concrete than this speculative talk, as the Saints' ranks for next season slowly begin to take shape, with the possible loss of Charles heartbreaking, while offloading Ramsdale will hardly evoke the same sentiment.
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