Crystal Palace 'well placed' to hijack Leeds move after Shea Charles transfer mission
Crystal Palace are well-placed to agree a deal for Southampton star Shea Charles after Leeds United saw two offers rejected.
Leeds have made offers believed to have been worth £20million and £23million for the 22-year-old as Daniel Farke puts plans in place to strengthen his squad.
However, Southampton have stood firm and are demanding a fee closer to £30million, which could force Leeds to walk away and open the door for their rivals.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace scouts have been keeping a close eye on Charles and they could now make a move.
The Northern Ireland international ranks highly on the Eagles' summer shortlist as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of participating in the Europa League.
As a result, they are in a strong position to lure Charles to Selhurst Park, and could beat their Premier League rivals to an agreement with Southampton.
What is the latest on Leeds United's pursuit of Shea Charles?
After seeing an initial offer rejected, Brown told Football Insider that Leeds were preparing an improved bid for Charles and were optimistic of reaching an agreement.
However, after seeing their second bid turned down, there is a growing feeling they could walk away as they are reluctant to match Southampton's lofty asking price.
Crystal Palace, however, may be better positioned to spend big on a new midfielder and have been long-term admirers of Charles, so could be tempted to make a move.
"It looks like it's going to be difficult for Leeds to reach an agreement for Charles," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've made a couple of offers, but Southampton keep driving the price up, and it's getting to the point now where Leeds might have to walk away because they won't overpay.
"That will be good news for some of his other suitors, Crystal Palace for example, who might be in better positions to spend big on a midfielder.
"Palace are in Europe again next season, and they've learnt now they need a deep squad if they want to compete without it having a negative impact on their Premier League form.
"Charles is somebody they like, they had scouts keeping a close eye on him last season, so they'll know all about him, the pros and cons, what he could bring to the team.
"Lots of the talk at Palace has been about which players could move on, and if Adam Wharton was to leave, it would be a big concern for them.
"Because of that, they want to sign a new midfielder, and to strengthen the squad in general for the new manager, and if Leeds are going to back off then they might be tempted to move."
Why do Crystal Palace want to sign Shea Charles?
Crystal Palace's pursuit of Charles comes as they aim to shore up their midfield ahead of their participation in the Europa League under new manager Pierre Sage.
Football Insider revealed on 29 June that Crystal Palace are hopeful of agreeing a deal for Charles and believe they can steal a march on their rivals this summer.
This comes as the Eagles brace for interest in their current midfield options, with Adam Wharton in particular attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs.
The likes of Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all considered moves for the England international, despite Crystal Palace's reluctance to sell.
Meanwhile, Daichi Kamada recently penned a new deal at Selhurst Park, easing their desperation for midfield additions, but they remain keen to add strength in depth.