Sources: Leeds plot move to sign Southampton star as Spygate verdict accelerates transfer

Leeds United remain interested Shea Charles and could move to sign him after Southampton were thrown out of the Championship play-offs over Spygate.

Charles has been denied the chance to win promotion to the Premier League with Southampton after an independent panel found the club guilty of breaking the EFL’s spying rules.

Numerous Saints stars are expected to leave this summer following the saga, with the Northern Ireland midfielder deemed likely to depart.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Leeds are keeping tabs on Charles and may accelerate a move for his services soon.

Leeds’ transfer plans could see Daniel Farke focus on his midfield as numerous key players are linked with moves away from Elland Road.

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22-year-old Charles was key to Southampton’s run to the play-off final, and has now completed three successive seasons as a standout in the Championship since leaving Man City.

He already has 33 caps for Northern Ireland too, and looks to be a Premier League player in waiting as Leeds plot a move.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Leeds have held a long-term interest in Shea Charles.

They considered a move for him last summer following his impressive spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, so I’m sure they will continue to keep tabs on the defensive midfielder.

“If Charles seeks a move away from St Mary’s this summer, I think there’ll be a wide open race for him and Leeds are just one of probably several clubs who would be interested in the Northern Ireland International.”

Recent reports have claimed that some Southampton players are planning to take legal action against the club, but it is unclear whether Charles is one of those.

He will feel particularly hard done by after scoring the goal that he thought had sent Southampton to the play-off final against Middlesbrough last week.

Leeds are not the only club plotting a move, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Nottingham Forest admire Charles too.

Crystal Palace are also watching Charles, according to Football Insider, and so a race for his services could soon ensue before the transfer window opens in June.

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