Leeds United are reportedly in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles - a player highly praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Daniel Farke has seen his midfield options dwindle following the end of an impressive Sky Bet Championship campaign where his side won promotion back to the Premier League.
Joe Rothwell's loan at Elland Road has come to an end and Josuha Guilavogui, who was signed as an emergency free agent following injuries to Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, has also left the club.
While young star Charlie Crew is expected to leave Yorkshire on loan which would leave the Whites with just three senior players in the centre of the park.
As a result, the Whites are looking at adding to that department. First reported by the Daily Mail, Northern Ireland international Charles is said to be a target this summer.
The 21-year-old was signed by Russell Martin from Manchester City for £15m in the summer of 2023, and went on to play a bit-part role for the Saints as they returned to the English top flight, famously beating Leeds at Wembley.
He then joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the 2024/25 campaign where he impressed massively under Danny Rohl.
Charles was nominated for the Championship's Young Player of the Season award which was won by Sunderland's Borussia Dortmund-bound maestro Jobe Bellingham.
Over the course of the season, the midfielder registered a goal and five assists in his 44 appearances, and following Southampton's relegation back to the second tier is seen as a 'must keep' under new manager Will Still.
And it's clear to see why, with multiple Premier League and Champions League winner Guardiola admitting he was impressed by the player after he made his only senior outing for the Citizens against Brentford in 2023.
"I’m pretty sure it’s a big moment for him," the Spaniard said after the game.
"We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed, he played really good and it’s fantastic for the academy."
Whether Charles is in-fact ready for the step up to Premier League football is another question, but he could prove a cost-effective option with Transfermarkt claiming the player is valued at just £10m.
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