Leeds United have been locked in talks with Southampton over Shea Charles. The Whites consider the midfielder a top priority target for this window.
With just over a week to go until the club jet off to pre-season in the US, Charles remains a Southampton player.
The 23-year old joined his club in pre-season training last week. Reports suggest there is still optimism from Leeds’ side that a deal can be done, and both sides are still in talks.
The Saints reportedly want a fee close to £30 million, while Leeds’ last bid was around £23 million.
Two new players have arrived at Elland Road in this window; Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. This window could see a few more arrivals as targets continue to line up.
Championship club fighting to keep Leeds United target
Leeds United were tracking Southampton star Leo Scienza earlier this summer.
The Brazilian had a stunning season, with seven goals and 10 assists in the Championship. And now, he is attracting serious interest from across England in this window.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Southampton are doing everything to keep the 27-year old.
“Leeds were one of those clubs that were mentioned (to be interested in Scienza), but he’s not a priority target for Daniel Farke’s side right now. They’ve got Harry Wilson to come into play in that attacking midfield role as well.”
“Scienza is under contract at Southampton until 2029. Southampton are doing everything they can to keep Scienza. They’ll be looking to keep him because they’ll be looking to make up for the disappointment of last season by winning promotion this year.”
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been vocal that he wants to keep his best players for next season.
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What happens with Shea Charles?
As reported by many Leeds sources and outlets, the midfielder is a key target.
He is seen as a big addition to the team to help them improve upon their 14th-placed finish last season. The Whites have already landed two big signings in Wilson and Muharemovic and want to make Charles the latest addition.
Leeds will keep pushing after their last two bids were rejected, but a deal needs to be wrapped up soon.
The 49ers are intent on adding quality to the squad ahead of next season, after Daniel Farke made it clear that he wants to stay long term.
Let’s be honest. The goals DCL and Harry score will be 20 to 25 at best. That’s not going to improve us by a large enough extent.We need a 20 goal striker on top. Lookd like we are planning to win 1-0 every week. Our strike force is not enough. Goals win games.