Shea Charles absent from Southampton friendly as Leeds talks stall over valuation | OneFootball

Leeds United’s move for Shea Charles remains live, but the Southampton midfielder sat out their pre-season opener amid a stand-off over his valuation.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the 22-year-old was not in the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win at Eastleigh. Leeds have lodged bids, the latest reportedly up to £25m, with Fulham and Crystal Palace also interested.

Talks continue between the clubs, but Southampton are understood to value Charles at around £30m, a figure yet to be met by any offer.

Charles only returned to pre-season last week after June duty with Northern Ireland, later than many teammates, and was left out as Tonda Eckert used two separate XIs. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Leo Scienza and £9m signing Lewis Dobbin all featured.

His absence was likely fitness related given the delayed return. Ben Brereton Diaz also appeared short of readiness, while Finn Azaz missed out with a minor injury.

Southampton face Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday in Germany, the first of two friendlies on their training camp, and it is unclear if Charles will be involved. The former Manchester City academy graduate remains on Leeds’ list. Last week they completed their first fee-paying deal of the summer, centre-back Tarik Muharemovic joining from Sassuolo for £34m after free agent Harry Wilson to become Daniel Farke’s second addition.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk