Leeds United have stepped up their efforts to upgrade their squad over the summer and have already made some key moves in the ongoing transfer window.
Harry Wilson has signed a four-year contract with Leeds to become the first signing of the summer, and the club are expected to announce his arrival shortly.
However, Leeds’ pursuit of midfielder Shea Charles has not gone according to plan. Southampton have already rejected two bids and are holding out for a deal worth £30m.
Crystal Palace have also joined the race to sign the Northern Ireland midfielder this summer, and they believe they have a clear edge over Leeds in the race.
The Eagles are hopeful of beating Leeds to Shea Charles
Leeds have been in talks with Southampton to sign the midfielder in the ongoing summer transfer window. However, the negotiations have not gone according to plan.
The Whites are trying to convince the Saints to compromise on their asking price for Charles. However, Crystal Palace’s entry in the race has further complicated matters.
According to Football Insider, Palace are now hopeful of hijacking Leeds’ pursuit of Charles and securing a deal to take him to Selhurst Park this summer.
The Eagles believe they hold one very big advantage over Leeds in the race to sign the midfielder, which could ultimately prove decisive.
Palace believe the lure of European football could persuade Shea Charles to choose a move to London over a switch to Elland Road this summer.
The midfielder has been pushing for a move to Leeds, but Palace are convinced that they can turn his head towards Selhurst Park this summer.
Charles is one of Leeds’ priority targets, and the club are still pushing to secure an agreement with Southampton for his signature this summer.
Leeds must avoid paying over the odds
Shea Charles has been on Leeds United’s radar for well over a year, with Daniel Farke keen to bring the midfielder to Elland Road throughout that period.
After Southampton missed out on promotion, Charles quickly emerged as an attractive market opportunity. With just one year remaining on his contract, there was a belief he could be available for a relatively modest fee.
Leeds remain in discussions with Southampton, but paying £30m for a midfielder who has yet to prove himself in the Premier League would represent a significant gamble.
Crystal Palace’s interest is only likely to inflate the asking price further, with Southampton in a strong position to encourage a bidding war. If the valuation continues to rise, Leeds would be better served walking away and pursuing alternative targets rather than paying well over the odds.
Is it because Palace are stupid enough to pay 30 million for a championship midfielder with only 12 months left on his contract?
Both teams have missed a trick anyway. Hayden Hackney is very close to joining Everton for about 16 million Better player and an absolute bargain at that price.