Leeds United remain hopeful that they can sign Charles De Ketelaere despite AC Milan’s insistence that they are closing in on a deal. The Whites reportedly tabled a €40million bid weeks ago and are now waiting in the hope that the Italian giants cannot match it, while Paolo Maldini’s numerous trips to Belgium are yet to finalise anything.
The Milan sporting director has exuded confidence when speaking to the media of his negotiations, but his side are yet to meet Leeds or Club Brugge's valuation of the Belgian amid speculation they may pull the plug. Victor Orta and Leeds have good reason to keep the door ajar for the 21-year-old, having seen Newcastle United price out the Serie A champions in their battle for Dutch centre-back Sven Botman.
The Magpies’ new-found wealth from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia provided a relatively simple reason as to why a mid-table Premier League club can beat Milan to a deal, but Leeds do not have that external wealth. So how come they can price out Serie A winners and Champions League hopefuls Milan, despite avoiding relegation on the final day of last season?
