Fulham ‘preparing’ £24m bid for Leeds target Shea Charles | OneFootball

Leeds United remain keen on Shea Charles, but efforts to land the midfielder have moved slowly and fresh competition could emerge.

According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are preparing a £24m offer, with new manager Alvaro Arbeloa keen to sign the 22-year-old. Talks are expected to advance, while Southampton hope to hold out for £25m plus add-ons.

Leeds have yet to meet Southampton’s valuation and, despite talk of imminent progress, a deal is not close. Elland Road chiefs remain hopeful an agreement can be found and are not providing a running commentary, with recent leaks not coming from the club.

Fulham have already been flagged as a rival this summer, with Crystal Palace also believed to be keen on the Northern Ireland international. Publicly signalling any pending offer would not aid Fulham and would most benefit Southampton, who want to maximise value amid a 15 per cent Manchester City sell-on clause.

Charles missed Southampton’s win at Eastleigh, although his absence was not thought to be transfer-related. He reported back later than many team-mates after two Northern Ireland friendlies in June.

Leeds are now in the USA for pre-season, with games to come against Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool. The club have completed signings mid-camp in previous years and have the facilities at home and abroad to do so again.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk