Leeds United’s interest in signing Shea Charles from Southampton has gone somewhat quiet of late, coinciding with new interest emerging.
One signing is through the Elland Road doors, but there is of course a clamour to see more as pre-season looms very soon.
For Daniel Farke, adding starting XI quality is surely the primary aim. But, if a market opportunity such as Shea Charles opens up, the club will look to strike.
Leeds United yet to respond after third Shea Charles rejected bid
The Southampton midfielder has been subject to three offers from Elland Road so far.
Leeds’ first approach was reportedly a package of £20million, while the second amounted to around £25million including add-ons. The third, most recent bid was an initial £23million with unspecified add-ons that likely made it the highest package so far.
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However, that third offer was knocked back by the Saints, who are holding out for significantly more, it seems. How far Leeds intend to go from hereon remains to be seen, but it was claimed from the outset that the Championship club wanted £30million.
Charles, 22, is technically out of contract next summer, but his club hold the option to extend by a further year.
Fulham and Crystal Palace enter the race for Shea Charles as we await Leeds United update
Now, it looks as though we’re not the only club that are stepping up interest in the Northern Ireland international. We already knew of Crystal Palace’s interest of course, which has now been relayed.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook has reported that both the Eagles and fellow London club Fulham have ‘joined the race’ to sign Charles.
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Interestingly, Crook notes that Leeds have only had two bids knocked back from Southampton. That is in contrast to what’s been reported by the Daily Mail – the source that broke our initial interest.
However, it leaves Leeds with significant competition for Charles’ signature, should we be willing to continue our pursuit with improved offers.
Should Leeds United give up on Shea Charles pursuit with other midfield targets?
Three clubs wanting to sign Charles is exactly what Southampton will have been waiting for. It means that whoever signs him is going to be paying a premium to get an agreement thrashed out.
Leeds clearly viewed Charles as a shrewd opportunity, given that we don’t necessarily need a midfield signing. That said, if a bidding war ensues, this strays into the territory of not being a value-for-money pursuit.
Charles is not the only talented midfielder that will be worth a lot more in the future. And, with other priorities to attend to, this isn’t one that is being worth our time currently.
I’d still be delighted if he joined, but we need to be smart about what we focus on.
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