Who Leeds United can turn their attention to as Shea Charles deal on verge of collapse

Leeds United could walk away from talks with Southampton over a deal for Shea Charles.

The Whites made the Northern Irish international their top midfield priority this summer.

They have not sat back in their attempts to land the former Manchester City youth ace, and have had a total of three reported bids, all rejected by Southampton.

Leeds remain in talks with the Saints for Charles, and though they want to make a deal happen for Daniel Farke, they will not overspend.

The 22-year-old had a good season at St Mary's last term, despite the obvious drama of Spygate 2.0.

However, while Leeds remain keen on Charles, they have other targets on their list if they cannot agree a fee.

The targets Leeds have in mind amid Shea Charles priority

MOT Leeds News understands that Leeds remain in talks with Southampton for Charles, as it will take a possible fourth bid to agree a deal.

The current issue is that the Saints value the player at £30million, while the Whites have had three bids rejected, all of which have been over £20m.

However, a new update from Pete O'Rourke suggests that the Whites are "set to walk away" from a deal for Charles.

If they do, they won't be short of targets, with Hidemasa Morita on Leeds' transfer list.

The Sporting CP midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to LS11 until negotiations for Charles started.

Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer has been identified as a target for Farke, with the Dutchman's future at Bramall Lane still in doubt.

Parma's Mandela Keita has also been linked with a move to Elland Road in reports from Italy, but English sources have denied interest.

But the sad part is, none of them may be as promising as a deal for Charles would be.

What's £5m to the 49ers in context of Charles situation?

Leeds' last reported bid for Charles was in the region of £25m, but since then, things have gone quiet.

The Whites have lost Karl Darlow and splashed out £34m on Tarik Muharemovic since their last bid for Charles, as the goalkeeping situation

While some may say that Marathe and Co. should just pay the extra £5m, it's important to be reminded of the financial concerns that are still clouding over Elland Road.

Zion Suzuki is wanted as Karl Darlow's replacement, but a transfer move for the Japan international wouldn't be cheap.

That's just one example of why Leeds may have to walk away from Charles so that they don't blow their funds for other wanted players.