Spotting an opportunity to outmanoeuvre Leeds, new Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has given the green light for the club’s recruitment staff to submit an immediate £24m opening proposal.

Fulham’s pitch offers Charles a return to Premier League football, along with a defined tactical role in Arbeloa’s midfield plans.

Balancing the books has become essential for Southampton following their failure to secure Premier League promotion.

As a Manchester City academy graduate and an established Northern Ireland international, Charles is one of their most valuable financial assets.

Speculation around his future intensified this week after he was left out of Southampton’s pre-season opener against Eastleigh, further fuelling expectations of an imminent departure.

With Crystal Palace also monitoring the situation, Fulham are keen to step up formal negotiations in the coming days before Leeds can return with an improved offer.

The Cottagers are accelerating their transfer plans ahead of Arbeloa’s first season, with Chibuike Nwaiwu and Franco Masttantuono being looked at.