Leeds United have continued their busy summer by completing the £34m signing of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo in another major show of ambition.
The Bosnia international sealed his move to Elland Road on Friday, becoming the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history as the 49ers continued to back Daniel Farke ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Muharemovic’s arrival addresses one of Leeds’ biggest priorities this summer. Following Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton, Farke required a commanding centre-back, and the 23-year-old is expected to slot straight into the heart of the defence.
The Leeds boss has also been pushing for midfield reinforcements as he feels the squad need upgrades despite having numbers in that area of the squad.
Read More: Leeds United ready to abandon major transfer pursuit after fresh update
Leeds United’s stance on major pursuit revealed
The club have several irons in the fire as they seek to bring in more reinforcements for the squad before the end of the summer transfer window.
They are still keen to sign a goalkeeper, an attacking midfielder, a striker and a back-up left-back in the coming weeks.
However, the club may have shut the door on a major signing after feeling frustrated with the financial demands and pace of the negotiations.
Shea Charles has been a major target for Leeds, but it seems after three unsuccessful bids, the Whites have now walked away from the negotiations.
Graham Smyth has revealed that the club will not improve on their third offer for the Southampton star, and will only revisit the deal if the Saints agree to lower their demands.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “The Leeds stance is this – the bid that they made in the last couple of days would be the best and final offer they would be making to Southampton.
“Southampton are clearly pushing for more, but Leeds would not budge, and it is the line in the sand they have drawn.
“It does not mean they have walked away or they would not be pursuing the player anymore.
“They are willing to revisit and open talks again with Southampton if their valuation comes down.”
Will they return for Shea Charles?
Leeds have put in extensive legwork on a deal to sign Shea Charles this summer. However, Southampton’s financial demands have left them frustrated.
The Whites believe the Saints are asking for too much money for a midfielder who has a year left on his contract and is not proven at the top level.
Charles initially made Leeds his preferred destination despite interest from elsewhere. But it remains to be seen whether he will maintain that position now that the Whites have decided not to submit another bid.
Fulham are preparing to table an offer for Charles, and even Crystal Palace have their eyes on the 22-year-old midfielder this summer.
Leeds are banking on no club being ready to meet Southampton’s demands, and they could sign the player later in the window for a price they are prepared to pay.
