Leeds United have been linked with a summer transfer for Manchester City youngster Shea Charles.
The Guardian have tipped the Whites to compete alongside Brentford and Borussia Dortmund for his services in the upcoming summer transfer window. Charles is still yet to make his debut for Pep Guardiola's first-team but was named on the bench for their Champions League last-16 match against Red Bull Leipzig.
Under contract until 2027, there is no immediate pressure for Man City to sanction any sale. However, given those ahead of him in the pecking order at the club, Charles himself could look to force away from the Blues in the pursuit of regular first-team football.
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Amid Leeds' reported interest in Charles, we have put together a quick profile on the Man City man that could be heading to Elland Road in the summer.
Who is Shea Charles?
Born in Manchester, the 19-year-old is a product of the Manchester City academy and has risen through the ranks through the club's youth set-up. Playing in central midfield, the teenager has showcased an extraordinary passing range for someone so young - no doubt helped by the talent he has surrounded himself with at the Premier League champions.
He signed his first professional contract in July 2021 and played a pivotal role in helping Man City retain their PL2 title. He would then go on to make his senior Northern Ireland debut last summer during a UEFA Nations League clash against Cyprus.
What has been said about him?
Charles told the Manchester Evening News the following about his favoured position on the pitch in October last year: "I feel like it's always a good thing that I can change position. I've played centre-back, fullback, in the midfield as well. It's good for development to understand the whole game.
"I'd say defensive midfield is my favourite position. I feel like you can control the game more there. I feel like I'm a smart player. So it suits me well. Playing other positions does help. It makes it easier for me to understand what my teammates are going through, and what they have to do in different parts of the game."
Former Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough (May 2022) said: "We have high hopes of Shea developing into a very, very good player. He has come through the age groups and he is someone we have nurtured from a really young age.
“He’s probably in a senior squad quicker than he expected, but we don’t feel the need to cap him enough times to cover that [so] he can’t move anywhere else. The way he gets looked after and the opportunities he has been given with us is something that resonates with him and his family.
“We’ve got to be mindful of giving him something too early, but we feel he’s up to the challenge.”
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