Leeds United talks for Shea Charles continue as Harry Wilson option explored | OneFootball

Leeds United are still in talks with Southampton over midfielder Shea Charles, with hope that a breakthrough can yet be reached.

According to Leeds Live, an offer in the region of £20m has been lodged and turned down, although a rejection does not necessarily lessen the prospects as negotiations can shift.

The emergence of discussions could aid the Saints by drawing rival interest and strengthening their hand, yet United, with Premier League football on offer, are still at the table.

If completed, Charles would become the sixth senior natural midfield option alongside Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff. Brenden Aaronson, who like Gruev has one year left on his deal, can also drop deeper.

A natural pivot, the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international has 35 caps and struck key goals last season, including in cups against Arsenal and Liverpool and the play-off semi-final winner over Middlesbrough, before Southampton were expelled from the final amid the spygate scandal.

Charles had long been seen as a likely Premier League target if Southampton had not returned to the top flight, irrespective of the episode that has strained trust within the club.

Leeds are also exploring a move for attacker Harry Wilson, a free agent at month’s end, after a deadline-day switch collapsed last summer when Fulham withdrew late. The club are likewise assessing a possible deal for number 10 Julian Brandt, who leaves Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires on one July.

Source: Leeds Live