Leeds target Shea Charles misses pre-season opener as talks with Southampton stall | OneFootball

Leeds United target Shea Charles was absent from Southampton’s pre-season opener as talks over his future continue without agreement.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds have submitted bids for the 22-year-old, the latest reportedly up to £25m, while Fulham and Crystal Palace also hold interest. Southampton are understood to value the midfielder at around £30m, a figure yet to be met.

Charles reported back last week after June duty with Northern Ireland, later than many team-mates, but he did not feature against Eastleigh.

Southampton beat their non-league neighbours 3-1, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Leo Scienza and £9m summer signing Lewis Dobbin involved. Saints boss Tonda Eckert used two different line-ups in each half, but Charles was not named in either.

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

Saints face Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday during a training camp in Germany, and it remains unclear whether Charles will be available. Leeds have already added centre-back Tarik Muharemovic in a £34m move from Sassuolo, after free agent Harry Wilson.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk