Leeds can call Southampton's bluff in bid to buy Shea Charles after latest twist
Leeds United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The Saints have rejected two approaches from Leeds this summer, as they hold out for £30million.
Charles shone last season as Tonda Eckert's side sealed a spot in the Championship playoff final, before their expulsion.
Leeds themselves finished 14th in the Premier League, after an excellent year following promotion.
The next goal is to continue future proofing the side for further progress.
Charles certainly fits this idea, and Leeds may now hold all of the power after the most recent update.
Why does the recent Shea Charles update favour Leeds?
As per The Daily Mail, multiple Premier League clubs are interested in the midfielder, including Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Importantly though, he is said to favour the Whites, with Leeds appearing to have won the most important part of the transfer battle.
Whether this is his playing role, the direction of the club, or any detail to do with Leeds, Charles is clearly attracted by the prospect of playing at Elland Road.
This is something that they must take advantage of.
Next year, Charles' current Southampton deal runs out, meaning that there are no further chances to bring in a fee for the 22-year-old.
If he does favour a move to Leeds that much, the West Yorkshire outfit can make it work in their favour, either with a move on a free in 12 months time, or a more favourable outcome for Southampton.
If it were to be the latter, Leeds could avoid reaching the £30m mentioned for his signature - using his contract as leverage.
As of now, the Whites appear to hold the cards, and will find out this weekend whether they have been successful in their approach.
Shea Charles would be a step in an exciting direction for Leeds
Shifting through the gears as the season went on, Leeds would secure survival at a relative canter in the end.
Shifting through the gears as the season went on, Leeds would secure survival at a relative canter in the end.
After doing so, now is the time to begin building a side capable of kicking on in the Premier League - something the Whites failed to do during their last stint in the top flight.
Charles would be a step in that direction, immediately becoming the youngest within the ranks at Elland Road.
Both the club and player would match each other perfectly, with the only way being up for both as of now.
It appears that he wants the move, which is also a huge positive for the fans, while the strength of the project itself is only strengthened by this.