Shea Charles has emerged as one of Leeds United’s priority targets this summer as they continue to push to sign the Southampton midfielder.
With Southampton getting booted out of the playoff final due to the ‘Spygate’ scandal, several players are expected to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window.
Charles has a year left on his contract at Southampton, and Leeds believed the negotiations would not be complicated, given the Saints needed to sell him.
However, Southampton have so far stood firm on their valuation of the player and have already rejected multiple Leeds bids for him this summer.
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Graham Smyth provides an update on the Shea Charles situation
Southampton want a deal worth around £30m before agreeing to sell Shea Charles, and have so far decided against lowering their financial demands.
Leeds have already seen at least two offers for the midfielder rejected, with Southampton maintaining that the Whites’ most recent bid fell short of the widely reported £23m figure.
The Whites hope to find a compromise in talks and negotiate down the fee, as they do not want to pay £30m for a player who has a year left on his contract.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has revealed that talks between Leeds and Southampton over Charles’ proposed transfer to Elland Road are still ongoing.
He claimed that Leeds want to continue the negotiations away from the public eye and are not interested in providing constant updates on their pursuit of the player.
The Whites remain confident of securing an agreement, as it doesn’t appear that other clubs are currently in active negotiations to sign Charles.
Charles wants the move to Elland Road, and is waiting for the two clubs to negotiate a fee before he can travel to Leeds and complete the transfer.
Leeds are working in an inflated market for midfielders
Southampton’s firm stance over Shea Charles comes as little surprise given the current state of the transfer market and the growing interest in the midfielder from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Atalanta.
Although Charles has entered the final year of his contract, the Saints believe they are still in a strong position to demand a substantial fee for one of their most valuable assets.
The market has been driven up by several big-money deals this summer. West Ham received £85m from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes despite being relegated, while Spurs have also agreed a £100m deal for Sandro Tonali. Bournemouth are also said to be valuing Alex Scott at more than £80m.
Against that backdrop, Southampton see little reason to lower their asking price. With several clubs chasing Charles, they are prepared to hold out for the best possible offer before sanctioning a sale.
Leeds United remain determined to sign the Northern Ireland international, but they are equally aware of the need to avoid paying over the odds. The Whites are hoping further talks will lead to a compromise that brings Southampton’s demands closer to a figure they are prepared to pay.
