Leeds United are keeping the door open for the potential record-breaking signing of Charles De Ketelaere as Victor Orta remains hopeful of a summer coup. The Whites have reportedly had a €40million (around £34million) tabled for weeks and are primed to act swiftly, should the opportunity arise.
But the Belgian star has attracted interest from across Europe after an outstanding season in which he scored 14 goals and added seven assists in 33 Jupiler Pro League matches - not least from AC Milan. The Serie A champions have long been reported as the preferred destination and sporting director Paolo Maldini has constantly reiterated he is confident of landing the 21-year-old, despite his side failing to meet Leeds’ price.
For a particular set of fans further north of Leeds, this may all sound a little familiar - and their experience of battling Milan to a marquee signing shows exactly why the Whites are holding on. Newcastle United made Sven Botman their top target in January as the Magpies looked to bolster their defence with top European talent in a bid to climb the table.
