Fulham have agreed a £30million deal with Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles. The 22-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours before completing the move.
Charles will sign a five-year contract with the option for an extra year. The deal, as reported in the Mail on Sunday, is understood to be £27million plus a further £3million.
Clearance and previous bids
The final go-ahead for Fulham was held up as they waited for clearance from Manchester City, who had matching rights but declined the opportunity to buy back the midfielder. Leeds United previously had three offers rejected for Charles.
The Northern Ireland international has been looking to depart for a chance to play in the Premier League after Spygate cost him and his teammates a place in the play-off final. Fulham have now been successful, and Charles is heading to join up with new boss Alvaro Arbeloa at Craven Cottage.
