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

Leeds United could face fresh competition for Shea Charles, with Fulham ‘preparing’ a £24m bid. Daily Mail reports that new manager Alvaro Arbeloa wants the Southampton midfielder at Craven Cottage.

Leeds remain interested but have yet to table an offer that meets Southampton’s valuation. Suggestions a deal is close are wide of the mark, though Elland Road figures are hopeful of finding agreement.

Talks are expected to advance, with Southampton hoping to hold out for £25m plus add-ons.

Crystal Palace have also been linked with the Northern Ireland international. Publicising any bid would offer little upside for Fulham, while such information would suit Southampton as they seek to drive interest, with Manchester City due 15 per cent of any sale.

Charles missed Saturday’s win at non-league neighbours Eastleigh, an absence not thought to be transfer-related. He returned later than many team-mates after two June friendlies with Northern Ireland.

Leeds are currently in the USA for pre-season, with games to come against Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool. The club have previously added signings mid-camp and have medical facilities at home and overseas to complete deals.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk