Leeds United are still on the hunt to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
United have had multiple bids rejected for the 22-year-old, with their most recent offer being £23million plus add-ons.
Given how long these negotiations appear to be dragging on, you would forgive Leeds fans for being sceptical that the 49ers will land their man.
However, Graham Smyth’s latest update regarding the potential deal will have given supporters hope that an agreement can be reached.
Leeds ‘confident’ of signing Shea Charles per Graham Smyth
Smyth has been active on social media recently, providing clarity on some of United’s rumoured transfer business.
Smyth recently confirmed that there was no truth to the rumour about Mandela Keita’s potential move to Leeds.
The Chief football writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post also provided an update on United’s pursuit of Charles when asked by a supporter.
In a post on X, Smyth described Leeds’ negotiations with Southampton as “Ongoing.”
He also added that there “seems to be a confidence they can eventually hammer out a deal.” But what Smyth revealed next can only be described as a major boost for Leeds in their hopes of signing Charles.
Smyth claimed there “doesn’t feel like anyone else has come in with interest that rivals Leeds’ for seriousness, yet.”
Considering there were reports that suggested Crystal Palace were also interested in Charles, it seems we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
The 49ers appear to have a clean run at the Northern Ireland international. Now, it is on them to close the deal before another club inevitably joins the race for Charles’ signature.
Shea Charles signing will likely impact one Leeds player in particular
Daniel Farke already has Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev as his midfielder options going into next season. Albeit Gruev is currently injured.
Adding Charles to that would only increase the competition for starting places further.
But that does leave you wondering where Brenden Aaronson fits into all this.
Following our switch to the three at the back last season, the American was put out on the right wing more often than not following the absence of a number ten from our formation.
So perhaps the fact that we are in for another midfielder suggests Aaronson will be used as a winger again next season.
I’m not totally opposed to it. Especially if he is a backup to Harry Wilson. Aaronson’s energy off the bench could be useful in helping us see out games.
Or maybe in tough away games, Farke may choose to start Aaronson out wide for his trademark work ethic.
But if Farke wants to play Aaronson in midfield, he will have plenty of competition to fend off. Especially if we do end up signing Charles.
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