Shea Charles to leave Southampton for Leeds United? Everything we know right now | OneFootball

Are Saints about to cash in on one of their star players?

When Southampton missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the most dramatic fashion, there was always going to be speculation around their prized assets.

Shea Charles, Leo Scienza and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are among those gems, and while Dragan Solak has laid out his intentions to retain his best players, it seems he will have to put up a fight to do so.

The Saints have already made early moves in the transfer market by acquiring Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz on permanent deals, but now the focus has shifted to outgoings.

Leeds United have been heavily linked with a move for Charles, and while they have submitted a bid for the Northern Ireland international, is a move actually close to completion?

Southampton and Leeds United apart in Shea Charles valuation

Action Images

Charles has always been a player with vast potential, and last season, Saints supporters saw the very best of the player who signed from Manchester City three years ago.

Following a successful loan at Sheffield Wednesday, the defensive-midfielder made 38 appearances under Will Still and Tonda Eckert, scoring five and assisting twice for the South Coast club.

However, with just one year remaining on the 22-year-old's contract (albeit with the club holding an optional one-year extension), there is uncertainty around his future at St Mary's, and that has attracted interest from the Premier League.

, which Southampton have reportedly rejected.

Negotiations around Charles are still in the early stages, but Saints are not expected to do a deal at around £20million as they value him at a higher price, according to Alfie House of the Daily Echo.

However, there is an indiciation that a deal - despite an offer being turned down - is close, with Sky Sports reporter Zinny Boswell claiming that discussions have been continuing and have been labelled as 'positive' between the two clubs as they look to strike the right price.

How much could Shea Charles cost Leeds if Southampton stand firm?

Given that Charles only has a year remaining on his contract technically, it is unlikely that Southampton could demand a significant increase on the £20m offered by Leeds.

Ironically, there is a similar battle taking place on Teesside as Middlesbrough have rejected bids for their talisman Hayden Hackney, who they are valuing at a similar price.

Indeed, Saints could wait to see how much Boro yield for their man before making a decision on their own player, although there is no knowing how long a deal could take to go through.

At 22, Charles has significant potential, and if a deal were to arrive closer to the £25m mark, then surely the South Coasters would find it hard to resist.

How Southampton fans are reacting to Charles transfer news

Saints supporters are clearly aware that their star man is likely to depart the club this summer, and they have been setting their own prices for the midfielder.

Indeed, some are asking for far more than the reported £20m bid by Leeds.

With the transfer window still in its very early stages, some have even suggested that Saints bide their time and wait for higher offers.

Then, there are some who are making entirely different demands that could help strengthen other areas of the squad.