Southampton handed Shea Charles boost as Leeds United twist emerges | OneFootball

Developments have emerged which could impact Leeds United's pursuit of Southampton's Shea Charles this summer...

Leeds United's interest in Shea Charles has been well-documented of late, with Daniel Farke's side making numerous bids for the Southampton midfielder in this transfer window.

Leeds United joined the race for Shea Charles over the last few weeks after many other Premier League sides had already registered interest, but Leeds also appeared to be pushing the hardest after firming up their interest by placing an opening bid for Southampton's midfielder.

That initial offer was knocked back but Leeds have seemingly not given up. A second offer was made by Leeds to Southampton for Charles before it was stated that Southampton are asking for around £30 million for Charles recently.

It was then stated that Leeds' third bid fell short of Southampton's valuation, albeit there has been talk that Leeds' latest Charles bid is not as much as first reported. Have the Whites now moved on from the 22-year-old Southampton star?

Leeds United might have moved on from Southampton midfielder Shea Charles

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With Crystal Palace also very keen on Southampton's Charles and other reports coming out lately that Palace were stepping up their efforts to sign Charles, perhaps Leeds could miss out. In fact, there are new suggestions that they are eyeing other midfielders instead.

Another midfielder who has had interest across Europe is Mandela Keita, with the Parma star impressing in Serie A over the last two years after his early years in Belgium with OH Leuven and Antwerp.

The 24-year-old is a Belgian international and Leeds reportedly have eyes on him, which could mean Charles remains with Southampton if this now means Leeds are looking at alternatives more concretely.

The Whites have seemingly moved on if the latest reports from Gazzetta Dello Sport are to be believed. They state that negotiations have begun between the Italian side and Leeds and that his value is also around €30 million.

That means it is believed a £25.7 million fee could be enough to convince Parma to cash in, with the Serie A side said to be willing to sell a few players for big fees. The figures are in the same ballpark as the demands of Southampton for Charles.

Why Leeds might not have given up on Southampton's Shea Charles just yet

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It's clear that Leeds have a significant decision to make in the middle of the park, with their pursuit of Charles seemingly at a crossroads after three bids were rejected by Southampton. However, that does not necessarily mean their interest has ended.

The Whites must now weigh up whether to return with a potentially final but improved offer or switch their attention totally to alternative targets, with Keita now linked. Given both midfielders are thought to command fees in the region of £25-30 million, this is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Leeds must weigh up which player is the better stylistic fit, represents the stronger long-term investment, and offers the greatest potential to develop further in the Premier League. Charles has to remain a highly attractive option despite Southampton's firm stance, especially considering he is homegrown.

That said, if negotiations continue to stall, a move for Keita could become an increasingly realistic route as Farke looks to strengthen his engine room. Perhaps they have already moved on or perhaps this is a way to get Southampton to finally accept an offer. It's one of the most interesting transfer sagas in the Championship right now.