Leeds United have stepped up their recruitment ahead of the new season and have already made significant progress in the summer transfer window.
Harry Wilson has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road and is set to become the club’s first signing of the summer, with an official announcement expected next week.
The pursuit of Shea Charles, however, has proved far more complicated. Southampton have already turned down two offers from Leeds and are continuing to demand a fee in the region of £30 million.
Leeds are also no longer alone in the race. Crystal Palace have entered the picture, but Leeds are now pushing to finalise a deal by tabling a new bid.
The Whites slap in a new bid for Shea Charles
Southampton are holding out for a deal worth £30m, but Leeds have been in talks to negotiate down that price and secure a deal to sign the midfielder.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds have tabled a new bid worth £23m plus add-ons to convince the Saints to sell Charles in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds are pushing to finalise an agreement and are hopeful that the Saints will agree to a compromise fee and let the midfielder leave this summer.
Charles has a year left on his contract with Southampton and has been pushing for a move to Leeds in the ongoing summer transfer window.
He is keen to play in the Premier League, and while the Saints are resigned to losing him, they are holding out for a premium fee in an inflated market.
Leeds believe that they have offered a good fee for a player who is in the final year of his contract and still untested at the Premier League level.
The club are working in an inflated market
Southampton’s willingness to hold out for a big fee for Charles, despite his contract situation, is a direct result of the inflation in the market.
West Ham just sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for a £85m transfer fee, despite suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.
Tottenham have agreed a deal worth £100m to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, and Bournemouth are quoting fees in excess of £70m for Alex Scott.
It is no surprise that given the going rate of midfielders in the market, Southampton are pushing their luck to get the best deal possible for Charles.
Leeds hope that better sense will prevail and they will be able to sign the midfielder for a deal less than the £30m mark.
According to the Daily Mail, the £23m plus add-ons was Leeds second bid for Charles, you are saying it is the third bid. Your report of the second bid said it was for £23m. Chinese whispers springs to mind.