Leeds United have reportedly made contact with AC Milan over a potential January deal for Belgian sensation Charles De Ketelaere.
The Whites had previously been linked with a move for De Ketelaere after he netted 14 goals and provided nine assists in a stunning 2021/2022 campaign for Club Brugge. However, he would eventually go on to seal a move to the Italian giants.
Despite being headhunted by iconic defender Paolo Maldini and subsequently penning a deal at the San Siro until 2027, De Ketelaere could now depart the Rossoneri having failed to score in 18 league appearances.
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TeamTalk report that Leeds have asked to be kept informed by Milan over their intentions for the forward. Director of football Victor Orta and boss Jesse Marsch are known admirers of the talented attacker.
If a deal can be agreed to bring De Ketelaere to Elland Road, it is unlikely to be a permanent one with the report claiming that Milan will afford the £27 million star with time to adapt to new surroundings and culture.
Maldini had previously gone on record to add clarity around De Ketelaere's position at the club. "He is suffering, it is a different environment with different pressures,” he said, as reported by Sempre Milan.
“He has more knowledge than before. We signed a five-year contract with Charles not five months, we are waiting for him, just as we are waiting for [Divock] Origi. They have everything to be decisive. We have had many examples of players who took a while to understand what is needed to play at Milan.”
After failing in their pursuit of De Ketelaere, Leeds opted to sign Italian forward Wilfried Gnonto, on a five-year deal from FC Zurich.
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