Sources: Crystal Palace work on completing Shea Charles hijack after Leeds bids rejected
Crystal Palace are “hopeful” that they will be able to steal a march on Leeds United and seal a move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, sources have told Football Insider.
The Eagles have moved into the race for the 22-year-old and are optimistic that their ability to offer European football could make them the preferred option for the youngster.
They are keen on a last-minute hijack to land the Southampton starlet, who is now being valued at the £30million mark by the Championship club.
Leeds have already seen two offers rejected for the Northern Ireland international, and sources have indicated that Palace are now trying to swoop in.
Charles is also on Manchester United’s shortlist of potential midfield targets, but is understood to be a long way down that list at the moment.
The youngster notched six goals and two assists for Southampton last term, and scored a last-minute winner in their ill-fated play-off victory over Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace to use Europa League for transfer boost
Palace are currently in a golden period of their history, having secured both the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League in consecutive seasons.
Their league form tailed off into a bottom-half finish last term, but their success in their continental campaign has opened the door to greater opportunities in the transfer market.
The South Londoners’ victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final has secured automatic qualification for the Europa League next term.
That looks set to make them a more attractive proposition for prospective signings, with Charles potentially about to become the first example of that.
Continental football provides the perfect chance for players to put themselves in the shop window long-term, and showcase their ability on the European stage.
Pierre Sage and Co. are hoping that the opportunity to play in the Europa League will be the key temptation for Charles, who had seemed increasingly likely to move to Elland Road.
Crystal Palace set price tag for Chelsea target
Football Insider revealed last week that Palace are set to demand at least £50m for centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer.
The Frenchman has been identified by Chelsea as a clear target to strengthen their defence for Xabi Alonso ahead of next season.
Palace have already decided that they will only sell the 26-year-old defender if a premium price is put on the table, given that he has been such an integral figure for them in recent years.
The Eagles lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City back in January, and they are now staring down the prospect of having to replace another key centre-back.