Leeds United and Crystal Palace have been handed a fresh indication of what it will take to sign Southampton star Shea Charles this summer
Leeds United and Crystal Palace Discover Southampton’s New Shea Charles Price Tag
Leeds United and Crystal Palace have been handed a fresh indication of what it will take to sign Southampton star Shea Charles this summer, with the Saints refusing to let one of their brightest talents leave on the cheap.
Southampton’s failure to win promotion back to the Premier League has sparked growing interest in several key players, and Charles is firmly among them. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign despite injury setbacks, and his performances have convinced the Saints that his value has only increased.
According to reports, Southampton are now looking for around £18 million plus add-ons before they will consider selling the Northern Ireland international.
Leeds are believed to be the club pushing hardest for Charles after identifying him as a priority midfield target, while Crystal Palace continue to monitor the situation as they weigh up a move of their own.
Charles featured 31 times in the Championship and made two appearances in the play-offs, but statistics only tell part of the story.
The midfielder delivered some of Southampton’s biggest moments of the season, producing a dramatic late winner against Leicester City after the Saints had battled back from three goals down.
He also found the net against Oxford United, scored at Anfield in the League Cup, struck a late FA Cup winner against Arsenal and capped his season by scoring the decisive goal against Middlesbrough in the play-offs.
Those moments have only strengthened Southampton’s resolve.
While the Saints are expected to lose several high-profile names following their play-off disappointment, they have no intention of accepting cut-price offers for Charles. Club officials believe the former Manchester City youngster still has significant room for development and are determined to maximise his transfer value.
Leeds remain the frontrunners at this stage, but with Crystal Palace also keeping tabs on the situation, Southampton could yet find themselves in the middle of a bidding battle.
For now, one thing is clear: any club hoping to prise Shea Charles away from St Mary’s will have to meet Southampton’s valuation.
