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# Charles returns to Staplewood for pre-season following extended holiday

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 16 Jul
- **Club:** Southampton
- **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26285600.in-demand-southampton-star-returns-pre-season-extended-break/?ref=rss

SAINTS midfielder Shea Charles has been pictured back at Staplewood after he returned from an extended holiday for the start of his pre-season.

Charles, 22, was granted additional time off following his involvement in two Northern Ireland friendly matches in June, before the World Cup.

Saints have been in talks with Premier League Leeds United, who tabled a bid worth more than £23million for Charles, but have not reached agreement.

It followed an initial opening offer of £20m from the Elland Road side, which was considered unserious by Saints, who value him much higher.

Charles scored winning goals against Arsenal and Middlesbrough in the FA Cup quarter-final and Championship play-off semi-final last season.

However, the Man City academy graduate is seen as one of the club's most saleable assets, and he could still depart in a big-money move this summer.

Shea Charles has returned to Staplewood for pre-season (Image: Southampton FC)

Saints paid an initial fee of £10.5m, rising to £15m, for Charles in 2023. Man City retain a clause seeing them owed a percentage of the profit on his sale.

For now, he continues to work with head coach Tonda Eckert ahead of the team's first pre-season friendly match at Eastleigh at 7.45pm on Saturday.

New signing Lewis Dobbin was also taking part in training sessions, following his permanent transfer from Aston Villa for up to £9m this week.

Dobbin was seen chatting to fellow former Villan Cameron Archer, who he will provide direct competition to as a second striker or wide man.

Nick Oyekunle, Romeo Akachukwu and Barnaby Williams, who are some of the key players in the under-21s, have also been training with the team.

Canada's Cyle Larin and Japan's Yuki Sugawara are yet to return to Staplewood, having been involved in the knockout stages of the World Cup.