Why Leeds United are pushing so hard to sign Shea Charles as third Southampton bid sent

Leeds United are still working on a move for Southampton star Shea Charles.

The Whites have already seen two offers rejected as Southampton hold firm on their asking price.

Daniel Farke has seemingly nailed down Charles as a priority, as the insistence to get a move complete is clear amid their pursuit.

Leeds have now sent Southampton a third offer as they seek to find a resolution for the midfielder.

The Whites will be looking to move up the Premier League table next season after staying up this past campaign.

And Charles looks to be the man singled out to help with a midfield refresh for 2026-2027.

How much have Leeds now offered for Shea Charles?

Leeds have previously sent offers of £20million and £25m, but it now appears they are hoping to strike a "compromise."

According to the Daily Mail on Thursday, Leeds have made their third offer for Charles. The bid is said to be around £23m plus add-ons.

Southampton had been holding out for £30m, but it remains to be seen if the total of those bonuses will reach that valuation.

Due to Manchester City holding a 15 per cent sell-on clause, the South Coast club could be unlikely to accept lower than their asking price.

They will want to bring in as much money as possible for their midfield star, and that clause would see a decent chunk of their income sent to the Etihad.

How Charles fits in Daniel Farke's style and why pursuit makes sense

Last season, Farke shifted away from the style that saw Leeds promoted to the Premier League.

And in truth, he had to make those changes. But football managers are stubborn and they will likely always stick behind their philosophy.

Leeds' transfer business this summer so far paints the picture that Farke wants to return to controlling games, rather than playing teams on the counter.

Charles would certainly be able to provide that. Previously, when he joined Southampton, the Northern Irish international stated via Southampton's website: "[Russell Martin] called me the other night, explaining that it will be good for me with the possession-based football that he looks to play, and I just can’t wait.

"He said I’ll almost be used to his style of play, which is a positive thing, obviously."

"He sees me as more like a defensive midfielder. Obviously I can play in other positions as well, but I prefer that position, so that’s where I like to play.

"I feel like I read the game really well, which can obviously help my teammates as well with tactical stuff, and I’ve got a good range of passing – I can hit diagonals and short passes."

At the moment, Leeds do not exactly have that midfield maestro that Charles describes himself as.

While Ethan Ampadu has been excellent over the last few seasons, the captain is more of a ball-winning midfielder rather than a deep-lying playmaker.

When it comes to Charles, Farke clearly wants those qualities, or else the Whites would not go as far as making three bids.