Leeds United have made a surprising move by submitting a formal bid for Shea Charles, the Southampton midfielder, as reported by Sky Sports. The West Yorkshire club aims to enhance their squad following a solid 14th-place finish in the Premier League last season, with manager Daniel Farke keen on bolstering his midfield options.

Leeds have tabled an initial offer of £20 million for the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international. However, this bid falls short of Southampton’s valuation, which has not been disclosed but is deemed higher given Charles' development and potential.

Despite the setback, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. Southampton originally acquired Charles from Manchester City in 2023 for an initial fee of £10.5 million, which could rise to £15 million with add-ons. After making 76 appearances for the Saints, the club believes Charles deserves a higher price tag, especially following their struggles to return to the Premier League after a challenging Championship season.

In addition to Leeds, Manchester United has shown strong interest in Shea Charles, reportedly viewing him as a potential replacement for Casemiro. The Red Devils are actively scouting the midfielder as a cost-effective solution for their midfield overhaul, amid expectations of high fees for other targets. Charles, a product of Manchester City’s academy, has experience in elite competitions, having been part of teams that won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.