Shea Charles absent from Southampton opener as Leeds talks continue amid stalemate | OneFootball

Shea Charles was left out of Southampton’s pre-season opener against Eastleigh as Leeds United’s pursuit continues.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds have made offers, the latest reportedly up to £25m, but Southampton value the midfielder at around £30m and discussions have stalled. Fulham and Crystal Palace are also said to hold interest.

The 22-year-old returned to pre-season last week after June duty with Northern Ireland, yet did not feature on Saturday. Southampton won 3-1. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Leo Scienza and £9m signing Lewis Dobbin were involved, and head coach Tonda Eckert used different line-ups in each half without Charles.

Given his later return, he was likely considered not ready to play. Striker Ben Brereton Diaz also looked to be short of fitness, while Finn Azaz sat out with a minor injury.

Southampton face Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany on Friday, the first of two games during a training camp, and Charles’ involvement remains unclear. Leeds retain interest, having completed their first paid signing of the window as centre-back Tarik Muharemovic arrived from Sassuolo for £34m, following free agent Harry Wilson.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk