Southampton hold out for Shea Charles as Fulham and Leeds bids fall short | OneFootball

Southampton are standing firm over Shea Charles, rejecting fresh approaches and holding out for £25m plus add-ons. According to Sainstmarching.com, Fulham are preparing £24m, which still falls short of the price the club will accept.

Leeds United have made three bids, starting at £20m before returning with a £23m package they labelled their best and final, all turned down. Crystal Palace and Manchester United have shown interest, yet Southampton refuse to blink.

The stance has not shifted, with some reports nudging it towards £30m. Southampton paid Manchester City £10.5m in 2023, potentially rising to £15m, and City kept a 15 percent sell-on. Close to £4m of any £25m fee would head back to the Etihad.

Charles made 31 Championship appearances last season and posted a 7.16 average on his FotMob profile. He scored three goals with two assists from defensive midfield. Transfermarkt values him around £13m, so £25m is a premium, and his contract runs to June 2027.

There is a football case to hold the line. Moving him now would thin the engine room to Flynn Downes, Caspar Jander and academy graduate Cam Bragg, with youngsters Romeo Akachukwu and Barnaby Williams potentially hurried.

It is said Charles leans towards Leeds, but Southampton will let the bidding decide. Waiting appears to be improving their position. They will start the new Championship season on minus four points, and any income would aid the rebuild.

Source: Sainstmarching.com