Leeds United have left a final offer on the table for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, and manager Tonda Eckert has acknowledged the speculation.
The Whites are in the thick of pre-season over in the US after last night’s clash with Wrexham in Florida. In the meantime, every fan wants to know how the club intend to strengthen the squad.
Fans eagerly await James Trafford updates, while Shea Charles’ will he, won’t he saga is proving more frustrating than the 49ers will have hoped.
Tonda Eckert issues Shea Charles update after Leeds United’s £23million-plus ultimatum
Leeds’ three bids to sign the Northern Ireland international from Southampton have proven unsuccessful so far. Clearly, the 49ers believe that they are within a reasonable valuation for the 22-year-old midfielder, but Southampton are holding firm.
The latest came from the YEP’s Graham Smyth, who reported that Leeds’ most recent £23million plus add-ons offer will be our last. As a result, Leeds’ stance is now at ‘take it or leave it’, giving Southampton time to mull over this ongoing saga.
Charles was also subject to a £24million approach from Fulham, which was also knocked back.
Now, Saints boss Tonda Eckert has answered a question regarding speculation on the midfielder. In which, he’s very coy about Charles’ potential transfer, instead just praising his professionalism despite the uncertainty.
“I think that’s more a question for Johannes (Spors, sporting director),” Eckert told the Daily Echo. “On the back of the season that he’s played, I think it’s more than clear that there’s interest. I’m happy to have him around at the very moment.
“I can only say how well Shea is in the group and he’s been excellent from the first day since he came back. I think he’s shown today that he’s on a good level to perform and I think the rest is for the club to sort.”
Patience is key as Leeds United explore other priorities in Shea Charles impasse
Charles is by no means a priority this summer. He would be adding further potential and depth to our already quite strong midfield.
So, the fact this deal is dragging on doesn’t make a difference to our other business. Since we made an opening offer for Charles, we’ve signed Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, while setting sights on landing James Trafford.
We’re clearly capable of spinning multiple plates, and Charles is one that can wait until Southampton possibly soften their stance.
If they don’t, he’s not the only talented midfielder out there for us.
Read more: Possible Julian Brandt arrival green lights Daniel Farke’s Leeds United overhaul.
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