Leeds United have been rejected for a third time in our pursuit of Shea Charles, and it leads the club to surely consider alternative signings.

The Whites are keen on signing Shea Charles this summer from Southampton, but are facing a stubborn selling party at the moment.

First a £20million offer was knocked back, before a reported £25million offer was rejected. Most recently, £23million plus add-ons was tabled – which has been refuted by a couple of reporters as actually being somewhat lower – and was also turned down by the Saints.

It leaves Leeds having to either start acting seriously on Charles and putting down a bid that we know will be accepted, or search for alternatives.

I’d be content either way. There’s every chance Charles doubles a £30million valuation in 12-24 months, but it’s a lot of money right now.

So, let’s look at three alternatives that Leeds could consider as a midfield investment instead of Charles…

Ngal’Ayel Mukau – Lille

As England fans felt frustrated watching us need Harry Kane’s brilliance to fire us past DR Congo, part of their stubborn resistance was midfielder Ngal’Ayel Mukau.

The 21-year-old from Lille would add a different profile to Leeds’ midfield akin to Charles in the sense that he’s another that’s confident carrying the ball over large distances.

Not only that, but Mukau is a left-footer that is happy playing deeper as well as even as high as a right-winger. That versatility would suit Leeds a lot in games where we need to dig deep.

If we’re not going for Charles and still want another signing, we need an athletic, tall midfielder as an alternative to him. The 6ft2in Mukau could be just that sort of option.

Mandela Keita – Parma

My second shout is a touch older at 24. But, Mandela Keita has impressed during his time with Parma in the Serie A, after previously developing in Belgium.

A tad smaller too at 5ft11, Keita would perhaps be a more traditional defensive midfield option. Of course, that would definitely be welcome at Elland Road. A key reason for Leeds wanting Charles is his ability to cover Ethan Ampadu.

Like Ampadu, Keita is incredibly strong in duels and would give Leeds serious support without the ball. He’s also tidy enough in possession to give Leeds what we’d need in covering our skipper.

Given he’s a bit older, this might be a more cost-effective deal for Leeds to pursue than Charles or others.

Arthur Atta – Udinese

Udinese star Arthur Atta could be very similar profile to Charles in the Leeds midfield.

Standing at 6ft2in like Charles, he’s another that can carry the ball incredibly well from deep and in Leeds’ high-pressing, transitional play under Daniel Farke. That sort of asset is vital.

Fulham were knocked back in January to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, offering €20million (£17million) to the Serie A club.

Atta doesn’t appear as effective in duels as Ampadu or potentially even Charles. But, he may provide more of an attacking bite to Leeds’ midfield after six goals and three assists last season.

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