Leeds United are interested in recruiting a midfielder this summer, and the club have identified Southampton star Shea Charles as one of their top targets
However, negotiations with Southampton have been difficult, as the Saints are holding out for a £30m fee despite the midfielder having only a year left on his contract.
Charles is pushing for a move, and Leeds have continued to remain in negotiations with the Saints despite two failed offers. However, the talks are not progressing as well as they would have hoped.
Leeds have other midfield targets, and the club are assessing their options. However, they are now considering turning to one more midfield target.
The Whites enter the race for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita
Mandela Keita has been heavily linked with a move away from Parma after a solid season in Italy, where he was considered one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
According to Parma Live, Leeds United are heavily involved in the race to sign the 24-year-old midfielder in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Whites have been keeping tabs on Keita and are now prepared to battle Everton for the signature of the Belgian midfielder this summer.
Leeds have already established contact with Parma for the midfielder and are considering tabling a concrete offer for him in the coming weeks.
They are prepared to fend off competition from Everton, who are also in the market for reinforcements in the middle of the park ahead of the new season.
Parma are looking to sell him for a fee in the region of £26m, and would welcome a bidding war between two Premier League clubs this summer.
Leeds have other options on their table if Southampton continue to dig their heels in for Shea Charles.
The Whites are ready to turn away from the Saints midfielder
Charles is pushing for a move to Leeds United. However, Southampton have shown no flexibility in negotiations with the Whites.
Leeds believe Southampton’s £30m valuation is too high, especially given the midfielder’s contract situation and his limited top-flight experience. The Whites feel a fee closer to £25m would represent fair value.
However, Southampton are yet to drop their demands, and Leeds’ interest in Keita suggests that they are prepared to walk away from the negotiations.
Charles remains one of Leeds United’s priority targets this summer. However, the Whites are reluctant to pay over the odds for a player with very limited Premier League experience.
Let Charles go. Keita be ok at the right price, we need to move on and stop wasting time!