Shea Charles transfer state of play: Latest Leeds United bid as replacement lined up
Leeds United are keen on a deal for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The Whites are agonisingly close to their first summer signing after a deal was agreed with Harry Wilson.
He is expected to sign a long-term deal at Elland Road as a free agent, while also receiving a pay rise from his expiring Fulham contract.
Charles may well prove to be the second player through the door, with Leeds pushing to agree a deal for the Northern Ireland midfielder.
The former Man City star has already spent a portion of his career in Yorkshire, having had a season on loan with Sheffield Wednesday.
And yet Leeds seem intent on bringing him back to this region of the country to play a part in their hunt for Premier League progression.
What is Leeds' latest bid for Charles?
Leeds have already had one bid rejected for Charles, with it claimed that the fee was in the region of £20million.
Southampton held firm on their stance that he is worth more, with a new bid in the region of £25m submitted since.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who say the Whites haven't been deterred just yet.
Leeds will be aware of the fact that the 22-year-old has just one year left on his contract at the Saints, meaning they must ensure they don't overpay.
Southampton have already accepted Charles' exit
The Saints will almost certainly not allow Charles to leave without a replacement lined up, and for Leeds, they may be in luck.
That is because Southampton are said to be in talks with Sunderland midfielder, Dan Neil over a potential free transfer, with his contract on Wearside due to expire.
The pair share similar traits, and given the fact that Neil has won back to back promotions from the Championship, it would be a smart move for the Saints, especially on a free.
If that deal is finalised in the coming weeks, then the Whites are almost certainly going to be one step closer to completing the transfer of Charles, despite interest from elsewhere in the top flight.