Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterLeeds 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 signingLeeds 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. You may like Leeds United receive major boost in Julian Brandt transfer pursuit: report Leeds hold 'positive talks' to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham: report Newcastle United stand aside as Leeds United close in on James Trafford transfer: report 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Having developed within Manchester Citys 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.TOPICSLeeds UnitedFulhamPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
