Leeds could have to smash club record to finalise Shea Charles deal

Leeds United may have to smash their club record to sign Southampton star Shea Charles this summer.

Charles, 22, joined the Saints from Manchester City in 2023 and enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship, scoring the winner in the play-off semi-final before Spygate's intervention.

But with just one year remaining on his contract at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton have been forced to listen to offers this summer.

Leeds had an opening offer of £20million rejected for Charles on Sunday and sources say the Championship side's asking price is far higher given the valuations of midfielders in this summer's window.

The Whites are now weighing up a second offer for a player who could ultimately break their transfer record.

Leeds stayed in the Premier League comfortably, but progress demands financial investment.

Charles made 38 appearances for Southampton last season, missing almost three months with a significant hamstring injury.

That issue is likely the only drawback from signing him for Leeds, who are keen to add something fresh to their midfield.

Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu enjoyed superb individual seasons, but there is a sense that Daniel Farke would like higher quality depth.

Charles, too, would be ready to start from the get-go and would likely feature alongside the Leeds captain.

For that to happen, the Whites are going to have to dip into the coffers and produce a significant fee.

Leeds' most expensive signing came in 2023, when they bought Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in a deal worth around £35.5m.

✍️ #LUFC is delighted to announce the signing of striker Georginio Rutter for a club record transfer fee

Just 18 months later, he would join Brighton in a £40m deal. The rest of the top five is made up of deals worth around the £28.5-20m mark, with Brenden Aaronson's move from RB Salzburg in 2022 the second-most expensive.

Leeds' £20m bid for Charles already has him high up on the list, and the sounds coming from Southampton would suggest that it may take a club-record to get their man.

With Charles' deal set to expire in 2027, Southampton will be eventually forced into accepting whatever is on the table and Leeds know that.

However, the Saints are hoping to see a competitor enter the mix and they may not have to wait for long, considering the interest.

Shea 'Clutch' Charles pic.twitter.com/WRjS56l7UW

Leeds must now try to navigate an important balancing act, as they look to get the deal over the line.

Waiting could force the price up, but decision-makers will also not want to immediately give Southampton a price to high.