Premier League outfit Leeds United are reportedly “among the admirers” of Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles as they weigh up a potential summer transfer move.
Manchester United have previously been linked with interest in Charles, who started his career at Manchester City before joining Southampton in a deal which could reach £15million.
The 22-year-old has developed into one of Northern Ireland’s most important players, bringing his international cap tally to 35 after starting both of June's friendlies against Guinea and France.
Charles is also considered a leader by national team manager Michael O’Neill – he has been named captain on four occasions.
Northern Ireland's Shea Charles. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)placeholder image
Northern Ireland's Shea Charles. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)
Charles helped Southampton reach the Championship’s play-off final last term, scoring a winner in their semi-final triumph over Middlesbrough, but the Saints were then thrown out due to ‘Spygate’.
It dashed Charles’ immediate chances of playing in the Premier League, but he has a host of admirers with Everton and United credited with interest alongside Leeds.
Charles has impressed against some of the world’s best teams on the international stage, receiving praise for performances produced in fixtures with Italy, Germany and France.
After Northern Ireland's defeat to World Cup favourites France in Lille earlier this month, O’Neill said: "Shea again demonstrated that he’s ready for the game at this level, he’s ready for the top level of the game in my opinion.”
It’s set to be an interesting summer for Northern Ireland’s stars with Shea’s younger brother Pierce linked with a return to Manchester City while Ethan Galbraith has caught the attention of West Ham United and Terry Devlin is admired by Wrexham.
Charles made his Northern Ireland debut in June 2022 – a Nations League defeat to Greece at Windsor Park – and has impressed boss O’Neill with his rapid progression.
“Shea is a player who since we put him in the team has taken an enormous amount of responsibility on the pitch for such a young player so putting an armband on him doesn’t change that,” said O’Neill in 2024 after naming Charles captain. “I think Shea has the attributes to play at the highest level of the game.
"He also has the temperament to play at the highest level and that’s what you are looking for as a captain.
“Whether Shea has the armband or not he is always going to be one of your leaders on the pitch. He deserves this opportunity.
“We all know his quality of passing and understanding of the game.
"You can tell he has been at a club where he has been coached at the highest level of the game but where he has really improved is without the ball...in the Championship you have to do that."