Shea Charles 'neck-and-neck' with Harry Wilson transfer as Leeds United continue talks

Shea Charles could become Leeds United's second signing of the summer after an agreement was reached with Harry Wilson.

It is expected that Wilson will become the Whites' first addition of the summer, as the Welshman has agreed on a contract in LS11.

The 29-year-old will leave Fulham at the end of his contract, marking another smart piece of transfer business from Paraag Marathe and Co.

Leeds are also happy to spend money where needed this summer, as seen in the £20million attempt to sign Charles.

Southampton are open to letting the midfielder go, but have yet to receive an offer that meets the valuation of their star.

However, Leeds are still keen on signing Charles despite an initial rejection, and his potential arrival could even be on par with Wilson's expected move.

Shea Charles transfer deemed almost as good as Harry Wilson deal

Leeds will have to pay £25m to sign Charles, though it's not known if this can be agreed through possible included add-ons.

Daniel Farke is keen to add a midfielder to his ranks, but the former Manchester City youth star gives the Whites boss versatility at the back, too.

According to Jack Rossiter, talks between Leeds and Southampton remain ongoing for the 22-year-old, who is appreciated at Elland Road.

While speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast, local Leeds journalist Chris O'Connor discussed the possibility of Leeds signing both Wilson and Charles.

O'Connor said: "I think it's almost neck-and-neck between Wilson and Charles. Wilson has 17 goal involvements in the Premier League [last season], and it's an area where we've needed something.

"But Charles, because of that age profile which is lacking in the squad, and I'm going off the one game I saw where I was like 'this guy is really good'."

Marathe has admitted that Leeds will need to carefully assess what they spend, and though they do have an extra £5m for Charles, they will be patient to get the best deal possible.

Southampton close in on Charles replacement already

It appears that Southampton are braced to lose Charles, with the future of their captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, also uncertain.

The Saints were always at risk of losing players after being found guilty during the Spygate 2.0, one in which Charles thought he had the last laugh after scoring a late winner in the EFL Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.

However, Tonda Eckert's side look ready to bring in a replacement for Charles, as they sit in advanced talks to sign Dan Neil.

The South-coast club are leading the race for the former Sunderland man, and he would likely replace Charles if the latter were to leave.