Crystal Palace are reportedly monitoring Southampton midfielder Shea Charles as Leeds United attempt to complete a deal for the Northern Ireland international.
Palace and Fulham have joined the list of Premier League clubs interested in the 22-year-old following his impressive season at St Mary’s.
However, neither club has made formal contact with Southampton at this stage.
According to Sky Sports News, Leeds have improved their offer during talks with Southampton after seeing earlier approaches rejected.
Leeds remain the most advanced club in the race. Palace’s interest is currently understood to be exploratory as Pierre Sage assesses his midfield options before his first full season at Selhurst Park.
Palace must decide whether to challenge Leeds
Southampton are reportedly seeking around £30million for Charles after rejecting offers worth £20m and £23m.
The midfielder contributed six goals and two assists in 38 appearances last season. He can operate as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced central role, providing the physical presence and versatility Palace currently lack beyond Adam Wharton.
Charles would also fit Palace’s preference for recruiting younger players with experience of English football and scope to improve.
The club have begun reshaping Sage’s squad by signing Óscar Mingueza on a free transfer. ReadCrystalPalace’s latest transfer window talking points also show that further additions are being considered across several positions.
Palace can offer Charles European football and a route into a midfield requiring greater depth. Leeds can offer a clearer immediate role and have already demonstrated their intent through negotiations.
Southampton’s valuation leaves Palace with a straightforward decision. They must either formalise their interest quickly or allow Leeds to continue towards an agreement without serious competition.
For now, Charles remains a player Palace admire rather than one they are actively attempting to sign.
