Leeds backed to land Shea Charles with 'new and improved offer' by transfer expert

Leeds United have been backed to submit an improved offer for Southampton star Shea Charles after having a £20million bid rejected.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a leading target for Daniel Farke's side early in the summer transfer window as they are determined to bolster in midfield.

However, they are aware of interest from rival clubs in the Premeir League, and feel they must move quickly to secure a deal as they edge closer towards Southampton's asking price.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Farke is determined to get a deal for Charles over the line but is at risk of missing out.

The boss has been outspoken about his desire to show ambition and be active in the transfer market after a strong first season back in the Premier League last time out.

Charles has been identified as a player to raise the level of their current options, and missing out would come as a major blow to their transfer plans.

Will Leeds make a fresh offer for Shea Charles?

Brown told Football Insider on 24 June that Leeds will accelerate their move for Charles as a result of Farke's demands as they aim to support the boss in the market.

Scouts have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder's progress in the Championship, and there is now a feeling that he fits the profile of player Farke is looking for.

Rival interest from elsewhere is now expected to force their hands after their initial bid was rejected, and they hope to reach a full agreement in the near future.

"Leeds know they want to be ambitious in the summer transfer window," Brown told Football Insider.

"The problem they will face is that the players they are looking at are also being looked at by clubs higher up the Premier League, who might have more money or more interesting offers.

"So when a player comes along like Charles, who they know they want to sign and have now made an offer for, they have to move quickly to get it over the line.

"He's somebody they've been impressed by and somebody they feel would be a significant upgrade on what they've already got available.

"That's what the manager wants to do, upgrade on his current squad with talented players, and eventually, piece by piece, they'll put together a stronger team at Leeds.

"Southampton have turned down their first offer, but I'm sure they will return with a new and improved offer another after some negotiations, they won't walk away from it straight away.

"They'll obviously be aware of the interest from other clubs, but they've made the first move, so at the moment they are the ones looking to get it over the line.

"If they can make another offer which is closer to what Southampton are asking for, it puts them in an even stronger position to do a deal before their rivals can."

Who else is interested in signing Charles?

Leeds could be forced to accelerate their interest in Charles given the number of clubs preparing to join the race as a result of his likely availability.

Clubs including the likes of Man United and Everton have been linked with Charles in recent weeks, but the main source of competition is coming from Crystal Palace.

Football Insider revealed on 29 June that Crystal Palace are working on a deal for the Southampton star and are hopeful of edging ahead of their rivals in the race.

The Eagles are optimistic that their ability to offer European football next season could make them the preferred option, after winning the Conference League this year.

They are keen on a last-minute hijack to land the Northern Ireland international, who is believed to be valued at around £30m in the early stages of the window.