Leeds United have made a formal offer of £20 million for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, according to Sky Sports.
The West Yorkshire club finished 14th in the Premier League last season and are now actively working to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Manager Daniel Farke is prioritising the centre of the park, with Charles identified as a key target to improve Leeds’ options in that area.
However, Southampton have rejected the opening bid, with the offer falling short of the South Coast club’s current valuation of the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international.
Despite that initial knock-back, the situation has been described as ongoing, with negotiations between the two clubs continuing as both sides search for common ground.
Southampton originally signed Charles in 2023 from Manchester City’s academy for an initial fee of £10.5 million, with add-ons capable of taking the deal to £15 million.
Having made 76 appearances for the Saints, the club believes Charles has developed sufficiently to command a significantly higher premium than Leeds’ opening proposal.
Southampton’s bargaining position is complicated, however, by their failure to secure a return to the Premier League following a controversial Championship campaign.
Holding onto top-tier talent while competing at second-tier level has proven increasingly difficult for the club heading into the new season.
Leeds are not alone in pursuing Charles, with Manchester United also strongly linked with the defensive midfielder as a potential replacement for Casemiro.
Old Trafford decision-makers are reportedly viewing Charles as a cost-effective option as part of their summer midfield rebuild, particularly with other targets expected to command much larger fees.
Charles comes with elite-level pedigree despite his young age, having been part of Manchester City squads that won both the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League during his time at the academy.
That winning experience, combined with his consistent performances for Southampton across 76 appearances, has raised his profile considerably among top-flight clubs this summer.
At just 22 years old, the Northern Ireland international represents a significant long-term investment for whichever club ultimately secures his signature.
With negotiations described as ongoing and Manchester United lurking, Leeds face a real battle to land one of this summer’s most sought-after midfield talents.
