Leeds United reportedly face transfer competition from Fulham and Crystal Palace
Leeds United have reportedly been joined in the race to sign Southampton star Shea Charles by Fulham and Crystal Palace.
A highly-rated midfielder, Charles starred in the Championship last seaon and is a key figure on the international scene with Northern Ireland.
Southampton appear to be digging their heels in and Leeds could face more challenges in their pursuit of the Manchester City academy graduate.
Shea Charles made 38 appearances for Southampton last season.placeholder image
Shea Charles made 38 appearances for Southampton last season. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
Leeds United face Shea Charles competition
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Fulham and Palace have entered the race to secure Charles’ signature.
Posting on X, he said: “Fulham and Crystal Palace have joined the race for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. Leeds have had two bids rejected for Northern Ireland international Charles.”
Leeds are relatively well-stocked on midfielders, with manager Daniel Farke having Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff at his disposal.
Charles can operate in a deep anchor role or play as a box-to-box midfielder, which would provide Leeds with even more flexibility in the middle of the park.
However, increased competition for Charles’ signature could send Southampton’s valuation of the midfielder skyrocketing.
Transfer tussles are rarely ideal and while Charles is well-regarded, Leeds will be conscious of overspending.
Shea Charles enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 season at Southampton.placeholder image
Shea Charles enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 season at Southampton. | Steven Paston/PA Wire
Leeds United’s transfer window activity
Leeds have made one foray into the transfer window this summer, recruiting winger Harry Wilson from Fulham on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old was close to joining the Whites last summer, only for a proposed move to collapse in the dying embers of the window.
Leeds remained admirers of the Wales international and have now made him the first new addition to Farke’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.