Leeds United are closing in on their first signing of the transfer window in Southampton star Shea Charles, despite having an initial £20m bid rejected – and below, we have the latest on the situation.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant season with Southampton, with the Saints reaching the play-off final only for Southampton to be kicked out of the play-offs and replaced by eventual winners Hull City.
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That has left the futures of Southampton’s best players under threat, and Leeds are looking to take advantage. A 35-time Northern Ireland international, Charles has been linked with Leeds in the past.
Stuart Dallas thinks Charles is ‘outstanding’, with the Leeds icon having watched Charles closely given their shared nationality. Now, Leeds have made a £20m bid for Charles, and below, we have the latest.
Leeds have Shea Charles bid rejected, but confidence remains
It was reported by The Daily Mail‘s Simon Jones over the weekend that Leeds had tabled a £20m bid to sign Charles this summer. An offer that would exceed any price Leeds paid for a player last summer.
Indeed, Anton Stach was Leeds’ most expensive signing last summer, costing a total of £19.9m from Hoffenheim. The Daily Echo’s Alfie House says that Southampton won’t sell Charles for a £20m fee.
He reports that talks are ongoing, but Leeds will have to pay more. Then, The Sun’s Jack Rosser says Leeds are ‘closing in’ on Charles, and while Southampton need to pay more, a deal is thought to be ‘close’.
Leeds are close to Charles: Who else do Leeds want?
Charles looks likeliest to be Leeds’ first signing at this stage. It adds midfield depth in a position where Leeds do need to improve their strength in depth, but it does raise questions about two current stars.
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Better than Ampadu, Rodon and Stach.
Ilia Gruev has entered the final year of his deal and ended the season injured, while Ao Tanaka’s future at Leeds also remains a question mark. Leeds are unlikely to be finished with just Charles this summer.
Interest in Harry Wilson remains after coming so close to signing the Wales star last summer, while Julian Brandt is also deemed an ambitious target for Leeds. Both are available on free transfers this summer.
Reports outside of England continue to link Leeds with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, but it is claimed that Chelsea are favourites to land Diomande now, with a £43m fee required to sign him.
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