Leeds United ‘closing in’ on Shea Charles as £20m bid rejected | OneFootball

Leeds United are moving towards a deal for Southampton’s Shea Charles, with an initial offer rejected and negotiations continuing.

The Daily Mail reported that Leeds tabled a £20m bid. The Daily Echo said Saints will not sell at that price and talks are ongoing. The Sun added that Leeds are closing in and a deal is thought to be close, but a higher fee is required.

Any agreement would exceed last summer’s biggest outlay, with Anton Stach costing £19.9m from Hoffenheim.

Charles appears the likeliest candidate to become Leeds’ first signing of the window, strengthening a midfield that needs depth.

It also raises questions over Ilia Gruev, who is in the final year of his deal and ended the season injured, and over Ao Tanaka, whose future remains uncertain.

Leeds are unlikely to stop at one addition this summer. Interest in Harry Wilson remains after coming close to signing the Wales star last summer, while Julian Brandt is viewed as an ambitious target. Both are available on free transfers.

Source: Leedsunited.news