Leeds United have Shea Charles on their transfer radar to boost their midfield ahead of the Premier League return.
It's always been that while relegated Premier League clubs lose their star players, newly promoted ones munch on talents for an excited Top Flight return. And like it or not, Southampton currently falls in the first category while their rivals Leeds are in the latter one.
But what's intriguing is that Leeds' strengthening is tipped to come at Southampton’s expense.
Admit it or not, having secured direct promotion with the league title, Leeds' 2024/25 season was almost perfect. But ahead of a Top Flight return, the club looks to learn from its biggest defeat in recent history.
Last year, Southampton secured a 1-0 Wembley promotion win over Leeds, and the latter now monitor signing a top talent that was present in the Saints camp that day. He's none other than Shea Charles.
After earning a Young Player of the Season nomination at mid-table Sheffield Wednesday, Charles' potential is no strange to Championship clubs or Leeds. And it's one Daniel Farke's side wants to tap into this summer.
As per Daily Mail, Leeds likes Charles' profile a lot and eyes him as a potential reinforcement to bolster their midfield.
Leeds' interest further complicates Southampton's Shea Charles' stance
Honestly, having given consecutive brilliant seasons in the second division, the idea of Premier League football will surely lure Charles, who deserves it. But like all the previous failed Leeds rumours for Southampton players, Saints fans would want the talent not to move.
After all, with St. Mary's opposing for a West Ham departure, losing the 21-year-old sensation to their rivals Leeds will be more bitter to them.
But for the club board, this recent interest just widens the dilemma for them even more. While Leeds may shell out a significant fee for an ambitious signing in Charles, should they go against their fans for the departure? And the fears are right given a permanent sale comes with more risk for Southampton than ever.
Well, the summer window has just begun and the Shea Charles transfer saga will ultimately conclude by its end as well. But as of now, his next season destination remains unknown.