Leeds United appear to be heading for their first disappointment of the summer transfer window.

Leeds are likely to miss out on the signing of a player they have tracked for a long time after it emerged that Premier League rivals Fulham have entered advanced talks.

According to a report by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Cottagers are close to reaching an agreement to take 22-year-old Southampton player Shea Charles to Craven Cottage.

Discussions between the two clubs are believed to be centred around a transfer fee of roughly £25 million, while personal terms are not expected to be a problem.

Leeds have maintained a strong interest in the Northern Ireland international for some time and are understood to have identified Charles as a leading target to strengthen their central midfield options.

However, the Southampton hierarchy have consistently stood firm, rejecting a series of offers from Elland Road while insisting on their £25 million valuation.

Leeds’ unwillingness to match Southampton's asking price now appears to have opened the door for Fulham to step in and take control of the race for the highly-rated youngster.

Charles’ tactical flexibility and homegrown status have made him an attractive option in this transfer window.

Having come through Manchester City’s youth system before joining Southampton in a £10.5 million move in 2023, the midfielder qualifies as a homegrown player.

His calmness on the ball, ability to resist pressure and defensive work-rate helped him establish himself as an important performer on the south coast.

Manchester City are also understood to have retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause when he was first sold, meaning the reigning Premier League champions will receive part of the incoming £25m fee.

Although Charles would have been content with a move to West Yorkshire, even if it meant stepping up a division in the process, the chance to play immediate top-flight football under Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has tilted negotiations in favour of the West London club.

Fulham are now expected to wrap up personal terms, which means Leeds will have to turn to alternative targets to strengthen their midfield before the deadline.

The Whites, though, remain on course to complete the signing of fellow homegrown talent and former Manchester City academy graduate James Trafford.