AC Milan will intensify their efforts to sign Charles De Ketelaere this week by increasing their initial bid for the Club Brugge star, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan ). The Serie A champions are thought to be readying an offer of €30million - equivalent to around £25million - plus bonuses and a significant sell-on fee.
That improved bid is thought to be level with Leeds’ current offer, but reports suggest Victor Orta and the club are set to smash their transfer record with a £32million bid being readied. Leeds will hope that they can price out Milan before using the pull of Premier League football to encourage De Ketelaere to Elland Road.
The 21-year-old has attracted attention from across Europe after racking up 14 goals and seven assists in 33 Jupiler Pro League matches for Brugge last season, impressing across the front line in varied roles. He was left out of the Belgian side’s friendly against FC Kobenhavn on Saturday, increasing speculation over his imminent departure.
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A decision over the forward’s future is expected to come to a head at some point next week, with Milan technical director Paolo Maldini pushing hard to bring the Belgian to the San Siro while Leeds and Orta hope they can complete the deal.
The Whites director of football will no doubt have a list of alternative options, however, and will be increasingly likely to lean on said list as De Ketelaere’s decision stretches out. Leeds had a striker down as a priority since the start of the summer and will want to bring someone in quickly in order to give them time to adapt to Jesse Marsch’s tactical setup.
The American coach and his 26-man squad set off for Australia on Sunday, with the first game of their pre-season tour against Brisbane Roar on Thursday, July 14.
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