Leeds United have been pushing hard to sign Shea Charles this summer. However, they are facing a determined Southampton, who are digging their heels in to earn a premium fee.
The Whites have been in talks with the Championship club to sign the 22-year-old midfielder, but have been unable to make any headway in the negotiations.
Southampton rejected two offers worth £20m and £25m respectively from Leeds last week, and are holding out for a deal worth £30m or above.
The Saints could just get their wish to drive up the price further, as one more Premier League club are now interested in getting their hands on Charles.
Crystal Palace join the race for Shea Charles
The Northern Ireland international has been pushing for a move to Leeds, but Southampton are holding firm on the price they want for his departure.
Leeds have been trying to find a compromise with Saints for a deal to sign Shea Charles, but according to journalist Alan Nixon, Palace are also interested in the midfielder.
Palace want to add to their midfield this summer amid suggestions that Adam Wharton could join one of the bigwigs of the Premier League in the ongoing window.
The Eagles have identified the Saints midfielder as a key target and are prepared to battle Leeds for his signature this summer.
Palace are the more established Premier League side with European football and can offer more money than the Whites in the ongoing window.
Leeds may have to move quickly and work out a deal with Southampton before Palace table a bid that could blow them out of the water.
Charles is keen on joining the Whites, but he now has one more Premier League club vying for his signature this summer.
Leeds should not overpay for the midfielder
Charles has been on Leeds’ radar for a better part of 18 months, and Daniel Farke has been pushing to take him to Elland Road this summer.
He emerged as a big market opportunity once Southampton failed to get promoted, and with only a year left on his contract, he should have been available for a more reasonable fee.
Leeds remain in talks with Southampton, but they should not consider paying £30m for a Championship midfielder this summer.
Crystal Palace’s involvement will drive up the price, and Southampton would be keen to spark a bidding war for Charles. However, Leeds should walk away from the talks rather than overpay for a player who is not proven at the top level.
Lack of ambition you take to long making the move and nailing players down, is this a ploy to spend nothing?
I would have gone for Hayden Hackney over Charles anyway. He is just 12 months left on his contract. Much easier deal to do and in my opinion a better player. Move on Leeds.