Shea Charles agreement update emerges as stance on Leeds United move revealed

Shea Charles has been the subject of a £20million bid from Leeds United.

The Whites will almost certainly prioritise a new striker and a new goalkeeper this summer, though Daniel Farke will have an eye out for any other potential deals to bolster this squad.

And that has, in turn, led the Whites to pursue a deal for Southampton midfielder Charles.

The Northern Ireland international was paramount to the Saints' promotion push last campaign, earning that interest from several top flight clubs.

Leeds had a £20m bid rejected for Charles earlier this month, with Southampton said to be holding out for upwards of £25m.

And while Leeds may have suffered rejection in their first attempt, they could yet make another in the coming days or weeks.

Shea Charles' stance on Elland Road move

Charles is highly unlikely to be a Championship player for much longer, similar to Hayden Hackney, though where he ends up is still up in the air.

Leeds remain locked in talks over a fee for the midfielder, with a report from TeamTalk journalist James Marshment via X stating that Charles is keen on the move.

It's claimed that a final fee could potentially be the 49ers' "biggest" yet since the Whites achieved promotion, though an agreement has yet to be reached.

That fee is currently connected to the transfer of Anton Stach, who made the move for a fee in the region of £17.4m.

Leeds must avoid costly Charles error

The Saints star would be a good addition to a side that need more quality in midfield, but Leeds must be careful when it comes to the final fee.

English clubs so often put a premium on their players, and that could end up being the case with Charles, given the number of clubs that have shown an interest.

The Whites have already demonstrated their ability to recruit smartly from abroad, and if the fee for the midfielder keeps rising, then it may be smart to look that way to strengthen the spine of their team.

It could easily be a transfer that drags on throughout the summer window.