Leeds United are stepping up their transfer activity as they look to strengthen a squad that exceeded expectations by finishing 14th in the Premier League last season.
The club are actively pursuing a deal for Harry Wilson and are understood to have put a lucrative contract offer on the table in an effort to tempt the winger to Elland Road on a free transfer.
Leeds are also exploring a high-profile move for Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt, with the Germany international emerging as an ambitious target this summer.
Meanwhile, the club’s recruitment drive is not limited to attacking reinforcements. Leeds are keen to bolster their midfield options as well and are continuing to push for a deal to bring Southampton’s Shea Charles to West Yorkshire.
Leeds are closing in on a deal to sign Shea Charles
Shea Charles has emerged as one of the top targets for Leeds, and the club are actively in negotiations with Southampton to get a deal over the line.
They made an initial bid of around £20m for the midfielder. However, Southampton rejected the bid as they want more money before selling him,
However, negotiations have continued between the two clubs, and Leeds are confident of securing an agreement for Charles’ arrival at Elland Road.
According to The Sun, the Whites are now closing in on a deal with Southampton to finalise the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder this summer.
Leeds closing in on the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton.
Southampton want more than initial £20m bid but talks continuing and a deal thought to be close. #LUFC #SaintsFC
— Jack Rosser (@JackRosser_) June 21, 2026
An agreement is believed to be close to being agreed upon between the two clubs for Charles to move to West Yorkshire in the coming days.
Charles wants the move, and with a year left on his contract, Southampton are also prepared to sell him this summer.
Leeds are now on the verge of agreeing terms with the Saints to sign the midfielder in the ongoing transfer window.
Daniel Farke will soon have the ‘next Ethan Ampadu’
There are plenty of similarities between Shea Charles and Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu, which is why the Southampton youngster could prove to be an ideal long-term partner for the Welshman in midfield.
Like Ampadu, Charles is comfortable operating both in midfield and at the back. He is composed in possession, reads the game well and has the versatility that Daniel Farke values highly in his players.
If Leeds can strike an agreement with Southampton, Charles would arrive at Elland Road with the perfect role model already in place. Working alongside Ampadu could help accelerate his development and ease his transition into Premier League football.
Just as importantly, Leeds have enough depth in midfield that Charles would not be thrown straight into the deep end. Farke could afford to introduce him gradually, giving him time to settle, adapt to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League, and grow into a bigger role over the course of the season.
