Leeds United in talks over trio as Evans notes willingness for quick deals | OneFootball

Leeds United remain in negotiations with three early summer targets during what they expect to be the first phase of a two-part window.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Southampton’s Shea Charles is a leading midfield option. A £20m offer reported at the weekend was rejected, but talks are seen as ongoing as Leeds try to agree a deal for the 23-year-old.

Another central midfielder arriving could prompt an exit from Daniel Farke’s current options. Farke prefers a lean squad to protect harmony. Club captain Ethan Ampadu has signed a new long-term deal and has been described by Farke as the club’s "most important player", while Anton Stach became influential after joining from Hoffenheim.

Sean Longstaff, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev moved in and out of the side, with Gruev’s season curtailed by a knee injury.

Leeds are also in negotiations over Borussia Dortmund stalwart Julian Brandt, a 48-cap Germany international set to be a free agent this summer. He has Champions League interest, and Leeds hope to persuade him to the Premier League. They are likewise in talks on Harry Wilson, another impending free agent, after Fulham blocked a late 2025 move before he posted 10 goals and seven assists.

Managing director Robbie Evans told fans at last week’s Premier League fixtures launch at Elland Road that some targets not involved at the World Cup appear willing to complete deals quickly at the start of the window. The American added that the tournament has split the summer into two busy spells, and said Leeds also hold interest in World Cup players with the focus still on Premier League consolidation.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk