Shea Charles pursuit cools as Leeds United ‘open talks’ for £26m Serie A midfielder | OneFootball

Leeds United appear to be shifting focus in midfield, with Gazzetta reporting the club have opened talks to sign Parma’s Mandela Keita for around £26m, and that the Serie A side are open to a sale.

Leeds had been in negotiations with Southampton for Shea Charles but were unwilling to make him their second most expensive signing behind Georginio Rutter at £30m.

The Whites are already in talks to land Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and Keita is his midfield team-mate.

Keita, a one-time Belgium international, has spent the last two years with Parma. He is recognised for stamina and could add defensive steel in front of the back line.

Two years ago Daniel Farke had his eye on Keita while the Belgian was impressing at Royal Antwerp, before Parma moved for him. A £26m deal would make Keita Leeds’ third most expensive signing, behind Rutter and Rodrigo, who cost £27m in 2020.

Source: Leedsunited.news