Leeds are set to miss out on the signing of a long-standing player of interest after it emerged Premier League rivals Fulham have moved into advanced negotiations.
According to a report from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Cottagers are closing in on an agreement to bring 22-year-old Southampton man Shea Charles to Craven Cottage.
Talks between the two clubs are said to be around a transfer fee of approximately £25 million, with personal terms not thought to be an issue.
Leeds miss out on Shea Charles signing
Leeds have had a long-held interest in the Northern Ireland international and are understood to have identified Charles as a main target to bolster their central midfield options.
However, the Saints hierarchy consistently held firm, turning down a succession of bids from Elland Road insisting on their £25 million valuation.
The reluctance to meet Southampton's price has seemingly allowed Fulham to step in and seize control of the race to sign the highly-rated youngster.
Charles’ tactical versatility and domestic background has made him a coveted player in this window.
Having developed within Manchester City’s youth system before joining Southampton in a £10.5 million deal in 2023, the midfielder qualifies as a homegrown player.
His composure, press-resistance, and defensive work-rate saw him emerge as a key performer on the south coast.
Manchester City are said to have retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause during his initial sale, meaning the reigning Premier League champions will collect a portion of the incoming £25m fee.
While Charles would have been happy to end up in West Yorkshire, moving up a division in the process, the prospect of immediate top-flight football under Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has swung negotiations in the West Londoners' favour.
Fulham are now expected to finalise personal terms, meaning Leeds will be forced to pivot to alternative options to bolster their engine room before the deadline passes.
The Whites, however, are still on track to secure the signing of fellow homegrown star and ex-Manchester City academy graduate James Trafford.
