Leeds ‘priced out’ of move for second Southampton star after Shea Charles bid

Leeds are set to be priced out of a move to sign Southampton star Leo Scienza this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke is keen to add more depth to his squad as they aim to finish in the top half of the Premier League next season.

They have seen two bids rejected by Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles this summer, with the second believed to be worth £23million.

Fellow Saints star Scienza has also emerged as a target for the Whites after he impressed in the Championship last season.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, a move for Scienza seems unlikely as Southampton aim to keep hold of their star man.

Leeds are also set to walk away from looking to complete a deal for Charles, with other targets on their agenda instead.

Leo Scienza deal unlikely for Leeds as Southampton take strong stance

Scienza registered seven goals and 10 assists in 37 Championship matches last season as Southampton reached the play-off final but saw their promotion hopes dashed by their spying incident.

Leeds are keen admirers of his abilities but will find it tough to agree a deal as the Saints aim to keep hold of their best players for another promotion push.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I'm sure the Southampton ownership are trying to price out Leo Scienza from a potential move away. He was such a key player for them last season.

"For me, he was probably one the best players in the Championship last year and was so instrumental in Southampton's great run of form. It doesn't surprise me that other clubs are looking at him.

"Leeds were one of those clubs that were mentioned with him, but I don't think it'd be a priority target for Daniel Farke’s side right now."

Jack Harrison set for another loan move away from Leeds

Harrison still has two years left on his Leeds contract but has barely featured for the club in the last three seasons.

He made 13 appearances in the first half of the last campaign, but failed to impress and was loaned out to Fiorentina in January.

The 29-year-old was a regular for the Serie A side, but has not played his way into Farke's plans after sources revealed to Football Insider that Leeds will loan Harrison out again this summer.

They are instead focusing on signing new attackers, such as Scienza, as the 49ers invest into Farke's squad.