Shea Charles now destined for Leeds United after Mandela Keita twist
Leeds United are going all out to try and sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles this summer.
Daniel Farke has identified the Northern Ireland international as a prime target at Elland Road.
Leeds have already seen two bids rejected for Charles, with the latest going beyond £23million.
That's why it was somewhat unsurprising to see links with Parma midfielder, Mandela Keita.
Coming out of nowhere from Italy, it appeared that the Whites had started to move on.
That is now far from the case, with Charles firmly back on the radar, it seems, in LS11.
What's been said about Mandela Keita signing for Leeds?
It started with newspapers in Italy, with the Whites linked out of nowhere.
With Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki strongly linked with Elland Road, it appeared like a double deal could be on the cards.
Instead, Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post has shut it down.
As always, Leeds fans scattered to social media after finding the link, but it appears that's all it will ever be.
This is why 49ers are going all out for Shea Charles
Football is a business, and resale value is always key.
Homegrown British players simply go for more, and with pedigree from the Manchester City academy, Charles can't spend another year in the Championship.
Most Leeds fans don't actually believe another central midfielder is needed, but that's not all they'd be getting.
Charles can also play in defence, and given Farke's switch to a back five last season, it makes complete sense.
Used there under Pep Guardiola before, Charles could be perfect for the squad, especially in that more progressive role that Joe Rodon filled last season.
Of course, he wouldn't be first choice and Pascal Struijk still needs replacing after his move to Brighton, but depth is key in the Premier League.
Leeds aren't just signing Charles because he's a midfielder, they're looking to bolster their squad with those who can play everywhere when needed.
Ethan Ampadu has done that before at Elland Road, but Keita isn't one of those.
You can cross him off the list, with Charles now surely destined for West Yorkshire, it may just take a bit more haggling, and more importantly, cash to make it happen.