It's turning into quite a transfer saga as the list of clubs going after Shea Charles seems to extend more and more by the day.
Now, alongside Leeds United, it is being reported that both Crystal Palace and Fulham are keen on landing the breakout Southampton talent, who is just fresh off a fantastic personal season, as he scored a memorable late winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup, among other noteworthy moments.
Realistically, he will call the Premier League home next season, after the Saints missed out on the ecstasy of promotion due to Spygate.
It has also come to light who Charles would prefer to move to out of all the clubs mentioned, according to another fresh reveal.
Charles' post Southampton preference
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, despite Palace - who won the Conference League last campaign - and Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season, being keen, the Northern Ireland international remains set on a move to Leeds, who have been interested for some time now.
Leeds have been persistent, too, with a number of bids being made, which have been rejected by Tonda Eckert's men.
Charles will be keeping his fingers crossed for a quick solution down the line, so this saga doesn't continue to be dragged on, with the report further elaborating that the Whites were hoping to get a deal accelerated this weekend, after some positive talks took place.
Alongside clearly being taken aback by how much Leeds want him, there is a lot in the favour of Daniel Farke's side, too, with the West Yorkshire giants wanting to solidify themselves as a Premier League regular next campaign with signings such as Charles entering the fray.
Favouring a Leeds move does make sense
In recent years, Leeds would have been dismissed as a yo-yo club between the Championship and Premier League.
After all, Southampton beat the Whites in a playoff final to get to the promised land only in 2023, but while long-term security in the Premier League has evaded the South Coast side, the Whites look ready to stick it out in the big time permanently.
Already this summer, Farke and Co. have been able to win Harry Wilson on a free transfer, after he fired home ten goals last season for Fulham.
Wilson noted, after joining that Leeds is a "massive club" for the elite division, immediately entering the good books, subsequently.
This is a big statement signing, and the sort of purchase that will make Charles hungry to move to Elland Road, as the ambitious Whites aim to propel themselves up the Premier League standings.
Alongside showing clear signs of zeal to improve on last season's safe finish above the relegation zone, Leeds also sticks out as an environment where you are given time to improve and progress your game.
Charles would love to follow in Ethan Ampadu's footsteps in West Yorkshire, as he once entered the building as a former Premier League youth product, like the 22-year-old, and he now sticks out as a formidable captain for the club.
Likewise, Anton Stach last season, after joining in the summer, instantly hit the ground running in the feel-good atmosphere, with Charles hopeful he can be another swift success story from the middle of the park.
It is crazy how things can change so suddenly in football, with Southampton and Leeds seen as equal peers in the Championship only three years ago.
Now, the food chain has changed, and Charles could soon relocate up North for a whopping £30m, with Leeds his favoured next destination.
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