Leeds push for Charles
Manchester City could be in line for a tidy payday as Shea Charles closes in on a move away from Southampton this summer.
The 22-year-old is expected to be one of several departures from St Mary's after the Saints failed to secure promotion back to the Premier League. Spygate has added an extra layer of controversy to the situation, with players left disappointed by the club's actions during the play-offs.
Leeds United have now increased their bid to £23m plus add-ons for the Northern Ireland international, who is considered one of the most valuable assets in Southampton's squad. The Championship side are understood to value him closer to £30m and are hoping to reach a compromise.
City, naturally, will be watching closely and hoping a deal goes through. According to reports, the Blues included a 15 per cent sell-on clause when Charles left for Southampton in July 2023. If the Saints can push the fee up to £30m, City would bank around £4.5m for a player who never made a senior appearance at the Etihad.
In the grand scheme of City's summer business, that figure might not move the needle much. But these small fees add up, and the academy production line has helped finance some of the club's biggest signings in recent years.
James McAtee and Oscar Bobb both departed for £25m and £27m respectively in recent windows, while Cole Palmer's £40m move to Chelsea remains the standout academy sale. Romeo Lavia, James Trafford and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have also brought in significant fees.
City have already benefited from a sell-on clause when Lavia joined Chelsea in 2023. If Charles follows a similar path, the Blues could continue to cash in on their academy graduates for some time yet.