Fulham ‘to submit’ £24m offer for Leeds target Shea Charles | OneFootball

Leeds United remain in pursuit of Shea Charles, but progress has been slow and suggestions of a deal being close are premature. Southampton’s valuation has not yet been met, though Elland Road figures are hopeful of finding an agreement.

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

Fulham have already been linked as rivals for Charles this summer, with Crystal Palace also believed to hold an interest in the Northern Ireland international. Publicly revealing readiness to bid would not aid Fulham, and any such disclosure most benefits the seller. Southampton will look to maximise value, with Manchester City owed 15 per cent of any sale.

Charles did not feature in Southampton’s win at non-league Eastleigh on Saturday, though his absence was not thought to be transfer-related. He returned to pre-season later than many team-mates after two Northern Ireland friendlies in June.

Leeds are currently in the USA for their pre-season tour, facing Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool. The club have added signings mid-camp in previous years and have the medical facilities at home and in the States to complete a deal.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk