Leeds United ‘interested in’ Southampton midfielder Shea Charles | OneFootball

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles this summer.

The 22-year-old has 35 caps for Northern Ireland and more than 100 league appearances. Last season he played 33 league and play-off games, scored the quarter-final goal that knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, and finished with six club goals, one winning March’s Championship Goal of the Month.

Charles has eight international assists, including the cross for Northern Ireland’s goal in a recent 2-1 defeat by France. He is regarded as a key figure for Michael O’Neill’s side.

Signed from Manchester City in 2023 in a deal worth up to £15m, he has one year left on his contract at St Mary’s, with an option for a further year. Premier League attention is expected to test Southampton’s resolve.

Often used as a deep-lying midfielder, he has also filled in at centre-back and would boost competition and back-up for captain Ethan Ampadu. Comfortable protecting and progressing the ball, he can play as an eight and take on playmaking duties. At six ft two ins he is strong in the air and covers ground smoothly.

Whether Daniel Farke would start him regularly in Premier League action is unclear after a season of midfield rotation. Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka moved in and out of the side, while Ilia Gruev’s meniscus injury curtailed his campaign, though he is expected back for pre-season. There appears scope for another central midfielder and movement is anticipated in the window.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk