Leeds United are insistent on remaining disciplined in the market and ensuring they do not overpay for anyone this summer.
The Whites have already balanced their books through Pascal Struijk’s sale to Brighton and are expected to move on several fringe players in the coming weeks to boost their coffers further.
Leeds also have an agreement in place to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer, and the club are expected to confirm his arrival sometime next week after all the formalities are completed.
However, the Whites find themselves in a bind after Southampton rejected their recent offer for Shea Charles, with the Saints even disputing the reported bid’s figure.
Leeds do not want to overpay for a midfielder they are very keen to sign, especially after a recent transfer that Everton completed.
Everton’s Hayden Hackney deal gives Leeds United reason to stick to their Shea Charles valuation
Hayden Hackney was heavily linked with a move to Leeds for months. However, the Whites eventually turned their attention towards other targets, and Everton got a clear run at the midfielder.
Everton confirmed his arrival from Middlesbrough this week, and many feel they have pulled off a coup to sign the Championship’s Player of the Season for a bargain fee.
The Toffees have only paid an initial fee of £16.5m for a player who was widely regarded as the Championship’s best midfielder in the last couple of years.
Everton managed to get such a deal over the line because the player pushed for a move to the Hill Dickinson Arena, and Middlesbrough were keen to finalise his departure soon.
However, the £16.5m figure shows why Leeds should stick to their guns and refuse to overpay for Charles, who is unlikely to be a starter at Elland Road if he joins ahead of next season.
Leeds are already prepared to pay more for a midfielder who has yet to match the level of last season’s Championship Player of the Year.
Why Southampton are confident about getting the money they want?
Southampton’s firm stance over Shea Charles is hardly surprising given the state of the transfer market and the growing competition for his signature from Crystal Palace and Atalanta.
Even though the midfielder has entered the final year of his contract, the Saints believe they are still in a strong position to command a premium fee.
The market has been inflated by a series of eye-catching deals this summer. West Ham have banked £85m from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes despite suffering relegation, while Spurs have also agreed a £100m move for Sandro Tonali. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are reportedly valuing Alex Scott at more than £70m.
With figures like those being discussed, Southampton have little incentive to soften their demands. They know several clubs are interested in Charles and are determined to secure the best possible deal before considering a sale.
Leeds remain keen to sign the Northern Ireland international, but they are also conscious of not overpaying. They hope that ongoing negotiations will eventually produce a compromise that allows the deal to be completed for less than Southampton’s £30m valuation.
At this point I would move on to other targets. If Shea Charles wants the move he can either force his way out or simply refuse to extend his contract. Saints will almost certainly lose him for free. Besides, Hackney was the better option at the right price. I would honestly just move on. He is not an important signing.