Fulham ‘to prepare’ £24m offer for Leeds target Shea Charles amid slow progress | OneFootball

Leeds United remain keen on Shea Charles, but progress has been slow and a Premier League rival could now test their resolve.

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

Fulham have already been flagged as potential rivals this summer, with Crystal Palace also believed to hold an interest in the Northern Ireland international. Leeds have not met Southampton’s valuation and suggestions a deal is close are wide of the mark, though they remain hopeful of agreement.

Publicly revealing any Fulham bid would do them little good, since it would alert competitors, whereas it would aid Southampton in pushing up the fee. St Mary’s want to maximise value, with Manchester City due 15 per cent from any sale, and increased demand can trigger a bidding war.

Charles was left out of Saturday’s win at non-league neighbours Eastleigh, but his absence was not believed to be transfer-related. He reported back later than several team-mates after two June outings with Northern Ireland.

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

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk