Leeds United have stepped up their transfer business ahead of the new season and are beginning to make real progress in the market.
Harry Wilson has already signed a four-year deal at Elland Road and is expected to become the club’s first signing of the summer, with an official announcement likely to arrive next week.
Things have been far less straightforward in Leeds’ pursuit of Shea Charles. Southampton have rejected several offers and continue to value the Northern Ireland midfielder at around £30m.
Leeds submitted an improved bid earlier this week, but the two clubs remain some way apart in their assessment of the offer, with conflicting views over its overall value.
Southampton deny Leeds United bid claims
Southampton rejected the fresh offer from Leeds as they continue to demand £30m for the departure of the Northern Ireland international this summer.
It was reported on Thursday that Leeds’ latest offer was £23m plus add-ons, a figure the Whites felt would be good enough to get a deal over the line.
Southampton have not only turned down Leeds’ latest offer, but according to The Athletic, they also dispute the figures that have been widely reported regarding the bid.
Southampton sources insist the bid was worth less than the widely reported £23m, maintaining that Leeds’ latest approach still fell well short of their valuation of Charles.
Talks between the two clubs are continuing, and Leeds remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached to secure the midfielder’s signature this summer.
Charles is also pushing for the move, but it seems the two clubs remain a considerable distance away from agreeing on a valuation for the midfielder.
The Saints feel emboldened in an inflated market
Southampton’s determination to hold out for a significant fee for Shea Charles, despite him entering the final year of his contract, reflects the state of the current transfer market.
Transfer fees have continued to soar this summer. West Ham have sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85m after being relegated from the Premier League, while Spurs have also agreed a £100m deal for Sandro Tonali. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are believed to want more than £70m for Alex Scott.
Against that backdrop, it is easy to understand why Southampton believe they can maximise the value of Charles. Even with his contract running down, they see no reason to lower their demands while the market remains so inflated.
Leeds, however, will be hoping the two clubs can eventually meet somewhere in the middle. The Whites remain keen on Charles but are reluctant to pay the full £30m Southampton are asking for.
Hackney is a better player and was cheaper so I’m not buying the inflated market line
Hackney was on the last year of his contract where Southampto have an option to extend Charles contract for another year. Charles is also an established International player. The contract length and International status would give cause for the higher valuation and we will have to disagree on who the best player is.