Shea Charles: Leeds lodge opening bid for Man United midfield target | OneFootball

Leeds have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.

United interest

United are focusing on bolstering their midfield this summer and Charles is believed to be one of the players they are keeping tabs on.

Michael Carrick’s side have been tipped to make up to three midfield signings. A deal has already been agreed with Atalanta for Ederson, who recently confirmed that he is just one step away from sealing his switch to Old Trafford.

Negotiations with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes remain ongoing, but United are casting a wide net across the midfield market. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba are all in the mix, while Charles, alongside Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, features among the more cost-effective contingency plans.

Charles made headlines earlier this season by scoring the goal that sent Arsenal crashing out of the FA Cup. He followed that up with a crucial match-winner against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off semi-finals, although it didn’t count for too much due to the spygate affair that enveloped Southampton in the aftermath.

A report covered by The Peoples Person last week relayed that Leeds were weighing up a £20m bid for Charles, in an effort to steal a march on other suitors, including United.

Now, Simon Jones of the Daily Mail has revealed that the Yorkshire outfit has lodged the offer.

Leeds step up chase

Jones wrote on X, “Leeds have made a £20m-plus offer to Southampton for Shea Charles.”

This has been corroborated by TEAMtalk, who further note that the Saints have identified a replacement for the United target.

It’s understood that Leeds and Southampton are locked in discussions to try and strike an agreement. In another blow to United, the report states that Charles is open to signing for Leeds.

The 22-year-old is keen on playing in the Premier League and views the chance to play for Leeds as an attractive next step in his career.

Leeds’ interest in the Manchester City academy graduate dates as far back as 18 months ago. His versatility is especially admired at Elland Road. In addition to central midfield, Charles can also be deployed at full-back or in the wider positions.

Should United firm up their interest in Charles, it will be intriguing to see if they jump into the bidding and attempt to gain the upper hand over their familiar rivals.

Feature image Leila Coker via Getty Images

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