Leeds United see Crystal Palace and Fulham ‘join race’ for Shea Charles after £23m-plus offer | OneFootball

Leeds United could face fresh competition for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, with two bids already reported, the latter around £23m-plus add-ons.

Sky Sports reports that Crystal Palace and Fulham are now interested, although neither has contacted Southampton. Leeds remain in talks.

United have declined to provide a running commentary on negotiations, with 49ers Enterprises preferring to keep transfer business private. Palace had been linked amid uncertainty over Daichi Kamada, who has since signed a new one-year deal.

TalkSPORT reports that Southampton value Charles at £30m and that Leeds regard the versatile 22-year-old as a top priority.

Charles has one year left on his deal, with a club option for a further year. Southampton’s failure to win promotion leaves them vulnerable to bids for key players.

He made 38 appearances last season, scoring six and assisting two. Capped 35 times by Northern Ireland, he has already captained his country.

Charles came through Manchester City’s academy alongside younger brother Pierce. City are believed to hold matching buyback rights and a sell-on clause on any Southampton sale.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk