TNT Sports
Leeds United spark £20 million battle with Manchester United for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles - Paper Round
By
Updated 24/06/2026 at 07:57 GMT+1
React to this story
Leeds United have made a concrete move to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles by submitting a £20 million offer, directly challenging Manchester United's summer recruitment plans, according to reports.
Hydration breaks 'not about money', insists Infantino
Video credit: SNTV
The Red Devils have long tracked the 22-year-old as they hunt for midfield reinforcements for Michael Carrick, but Daniel Farke's side have attempted to steal a march, though the Saints have knocked back the opening bid in search of a higher fee.
The Mirror reports: ”Manchester United are desperately seeking midfield reinforcements this summer, yet look set to face transfer competition at every turn.
”Southampton star Shea Charles was identified as a potential target last month, but Leeds are looking to steal a march on their rivals after tabling a £20m offer for him.
”The Red Devils appear to have already wrapped up a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but still have ambitions to bring in further signings for Michael Carrick.
”Leeds submitted a £20m bid for the 22-year-old, but Southampton pushed back on the offer, and are seeking more money.”
Balogun fields Premier League interest after World Cup
Monaco forward Folarin Balogun is lined up for a high-profile return to the Premier League after starring for Mauricio Pochettino’s United States at the World Cup.
The 24-year-old academy graduate's homegrown status has driven intense interest from top-flight English clubs, with Monaco holding out for a fee around $57 million (£43m).
The Mail explains: ”Folarin Balogun could be in line for a move to the Premier League after his World Cup heroics with the United States team.
”The striker, 24, has scored two goals in the tournament so far under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino and is expected to spearhead the team's attack in the knockout stages.
”He plays at club level for Monaco and has shone in the French league after going on loan to Reims in 2022.
”Premier League teams are in the race to take him back to England. It is believed that Monaco want an offer in the region of $57million (£43m) to sell Balogun.”
Fulham close to Arbeloa appointment
Fulham are on the verge of finalising a three-year contract to appoint former Real Madrid interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old tactician has held extensive structural planning and backroom staff discussions with Tony Khan as the club moves swiftly to secure Marco Silva's successor.
The Athletic states: ”Fulham are in the process of finalising a deal to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach on a three-year deal.
”Club sources insist the process of finding a successor to Marco Silva remains ongoing and that comments made last week by Fulham vice chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan that there were two leading candidates for the role remain valid.
”The club’s talks with Arbeloa have covered a range of topics including the Spaniard’s backroom staff and first-team squad planning.
”The 43-year-old left his position at Real Madrid at the end of the season after a four-month spell in charge.”
Leeds open discussions with out-of-contract Wilson
Leeds United have opened formal contract negotiations with Fulham winger Harry Wilson before the expiry of his deal on June 30.
The 29-year-old Wales international is keeping his options open despite a renewal offer from the Cottagers, with Leeds ready to offer a long-term contract and a pay rise to secure a deal that collapsed on deadline day last summer.
The Evening Standard reports: ”Leeds are in talks to sign out-of-contract Fulham winger Harry Wilson. Fulham have offered Wilson, whose current contract expires on June 30, a new deal and Standard Sport understands that proposal is still on the table.
”Wilson, though, is exploring his options and has entered into talks with Leeds, who he came close to joining on Deadline Day last summer.
”The 29-year-old nearly signed for Daniel Farke’s side before Fulham pulled out of negotiations at the eleventh hour after failing to get a deal for Chelsea winger Tyrique George over the line.
”Reports suggest that Leeds are prepared to offer Wilson a long-term contract and a pay rise to seal a move to Elland Road.”
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement