How Leeds United really feel about Shea Charles transfer as new rivals revealed
Leeds United are pushing hard to sign Shea Charles, but there has been little success so far.
Southampton are standing firm in their valuation at St Mary's, with the Whites trying to move quickly.
Leeds have had two bids rejected for Charles, with the Saints waving away £23million plus add-ons most recently.
That shows that Daniel Farke wants the Northern Ireland international as one of his main signings.
Unfortunately, that's simply not worked so far.
And now, if Leeds don't hit that valuation, the door could open for others to swoop in and get a deal done for Charles.
How do Leeds feel after Shea Charles failures?
Despite two bids being knocked back, there hasn't been an overreaction at Elland Road.
Graham Smyth has now shared that there is an optimism that a deal can still be done at the third time of asking.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast, Smyth believes any agreement wouldn't be blasted around the media like the failed bids have.
"I'm still convinced that he would be a good option for Leeds," he said.
"And I still have quite a good feeling that they can get it done, there's optimism that they can get it done.
"We'll just have to wait and see."
Premier League race explodes for Shea Charles
This is what everybody was dreading.
With Leeds testing their luck with two so-called lower bids, it has opened the door to others to step in.
Now, Crystal Palace and Fulham have entered the race, via Ben Jacobs.
The worst part about this is that both Palace and Fulham know what Leeds have had rejected, so they don't need to waste time.
It also means they aren't put off by Leeds' highest bid for Charles so far, so they could immediately come in higher.
Then it comes down to who Charles wants most.
The midfielder will know that the Whites have been very eager in the race, and hopefully Farke can reiterate that point.
It worked with Harry Wilson, and now the same could be needed for Charles.
A new goalkeeper, a couple of defenders and possibly even another new striker is needed, so Leeds can't afford to mess around with this.
If they do that, Charles will be lining up against them, not for them.