The 49ers Enterprises factor behind Leeds' Shea Charles chase as agreeable terms revealed

Leeds United look set to make a breakthrough in their bid to sign Shea Charles from Southampton.

Daniel Farke and his men are due to return to pre-season training at Thorp Arch on 13 July but are yet to make any additions to the side despite sealing Premier League safety last season.

Illan Meslier, Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk are among the players who've left Elland Road, but Farke and 49ers Enterprises have so far struggled to get anyone on board before fitness tests are carried out at their training base near Wetherby.

However, the latest noise surrounding Leeds' bid for Southampton and Northern Ireland midfielder Charles is positive, with a new £23million bid reportedly being submitted.

Southampton are understood to have rejected that offer.

But there's a silver lining that means Leeds are now on the verge of agreeing a deal with the Championship club.

Why Leeds' negotiations aren't expected to go on much longer

Leeds' latest bid does fall well sort of Southampton's £30m valuation of Charles.

Despite falling £7m short of that figure, The Telegraph reports via their print edition on 3 July that the existing bid, plus some addition bonuses and add-ons could be enough to tempt the Saints into agreeing terms.

Southampton's failure to win promotion to the Premier League last season, compounded by the play-off spygate saga, means that the south coast club are expected to sell a bunch of star players this summer.

Charles is among them and while he's also been linked with Crystal Palace, Leeds now look set to steal a march in the race to sign him.

And Leeds' majority owners 49ers Enterprises are playing a key role.

How the 49ers are shaping Leeds United’s transfer strategy this summer

The Telegraph adds that the 49ers are determined to sign Charles in bid to improve Farke's midfield options.

Last season, the 35-times Northern Ireland international played 38 times in all competitions for the Saints, scoring six goals and supply two assists in the process while playing mainly in his preferred defensive midfield role.

For a 22-year-old, he's already got plenty of experience; over 100 apearances in total for Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City.

As mentioned, he's a key player for Northern Ireland and is a player who's expected to continue improving as the years go by, meaning that his value is likely to shoot up during his time at Elland Road, should Leeds finalise their bid for him.

Essentially, he's the perfect kind of signing for an ownership who's transfer model is to look outside of the Premier League to sign good value, technically-gifted players with their best years ahead of them.

And that's exactly what this deal tells us about what the 49ers are continuing to do with their recruitment at Elland Road.