Leeds United’s main rivals to sign Charles de Ketelaere, AC Milan, have so far been unsuccessful with their bid to sign the young forward. Reports in Belgium say AC Milan have not yet made a suitable bid that reaches Club Brugge's valuation of de Ketelaere, which leaves the door open for Leeds to make a move for the 21-year-old.
With Raphinha's move to Barcelona moving closer to completion with a fee now agreed, the funds from that deal could help Leeds launch a bid for de Ketelaere in the near future.
The Belgium international scored 14 goals and registered seven assists in the Jupiler Pro League last season with Brugge, who won the title thanks in part to de Keteleare’s performances. He can play across the frontline as well as behind the striker and showed glimpses of his ability to the wider footballing world in the Champions League last season.
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Leeds have currently submitted the highest bid for the Belgian, but it has been reported that de Ketelaere would prefer a switch to Milan and talks between his representatives and the club have gone well. However, until the Italian club come up with a bid that suits de Ketelaere’s current club Brugge, then Leeds have a chance to swoop in.
It has already been a busy window for Jesse Marsch, and the young Belgian forward would add to a strong group of young, potential-heavy players brought through the door at Elland Road so far this summer. Where de Ketelaere would be deployed if Leeds were able to pull off the signing remains to be seen. Still, the versatility he has shown at such a young age makes him an attractive commodity for Marsch to develop in his high-speed, forward-thinking system.
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