Fulham have reached an agreement with Southampton to sign midfielder Shea Charles in a deal worth up to £30 million, with the transfer subject to a medical.

The 22-year-old will put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Craven Cottage, a move that will make him the most expensive Northern Irish footballer in history.

Charles edges out Leeds United

Charles began his professional journey at Manchester City before moving to Southampton. Despite reported interest from Leeds United, he has chosen to join Fulham, where he will fill the void left by Sasa Lukic, who departed for Ipswich Town last week.

The Northern Ireland international becomes Fulham's third acquisition under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who took charge following Marco Silva's exit to lead Benfica.

Arbeloa's early business at Craven Cottage

Arbeloa's tenure began in the second half of last season on an interim basis at Real Madrid before he was appointed at Craven Cottage. Since taking charge of Fulham, he has moved swiftly in the transfer market, first securing striker Gonzalo Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios — both from Real Madrid — and now completing the signing of Charles from Southampton.

Fulham will open their pre-season preparations against German side Stuttgart on Saturday, 15 August, before their Premier League campaign kicks off at Stamford Bridge against rivals Chelsea on Monday, 24 August.