Leeds United in talks for trio as early-window negotiations continue | OneFootball

Leeds United are in talks over three early summer targets in the first phase of a planned two-part window. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the focus includes Southampton’s Shea Charles plus free agents Julian Brandt and Harry Wilson.

Leeds want Charles, a deep-lying midfielder who also drives forward. A £20m offer was reported and rejected, but the club see negotiations as ongoing as they try to agree terms for the 23-year-old.

A central midfield addition could prompt an exit, with Daniel Farke preferring a lean group. Farke views Ethan Ampadu, who signed a new long-term deal, as the club’s most important player, and Anton Stach became key after joining from Hoffenheim. Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka rotated, and Ilia Gruev’s season ended early with a knee injury.

Brandt, a 48-cap Germany international, is due to be a free agent and, despite Champions League interest, Leeds remain in the conversation and hope to tempt him to the Premier League. Wilson, whom Leeds tried to sign at the end of the 2025 summer window before Fulham changed course, produced 10 goals and seven assists. Talks continue for the attack-minded pair.

At a fixtures launch at Elland Road, managing director Robbie Evans said some non-World Cup targets want quick deals early in the window. He added the World Cup has split the summer into two bursts, with a second to follow the tournament. Evans said Leeds also hold interest in World Cup players and that next season is about Premier League consolidation.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk