Here are your Leeds United transfer rumours and gossip for Wednesday, February 22.
Victor Orta steers Leeds United interest in Barcelona star
Leeds United are reportedly looking to convince Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach to move to the Premier League as a free agent in the summer transfer window, according to ESPN.
They report that the 18-year-old starlet has so far failed to reach an agreement that would see his contract extend beyond its expiry at the end of this season with Leeds looking to pounce. The La Liga giants are thought to be working hard to negotiate a new deal for the youngster, but no breakthrough has yet to be made.
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Director of football Victor Orta may cast a divisive figure at the moment for Leeds supporters, yet he is the one believed to be leading the charge for Leeds' move for Ilias. The forward is highly rated by those within the Camp Nou and came through the academy alongside Gavi, a regular starter under Xavi this term.
Premier League rivals eye move for Charles de Ketelaere
Leeds have reportedly held a long-term interest in AC Milan star Charles de Ketelaere. It is thought that the club tracked the 21-year-old throughout the last summer window and a deal looked set for the midfielder to move to Elland Road, before the Serie A club swooped in and agreed a fee with Club Brugge for his services.
But now veteran Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti (via TeamTalk ) has claimed that Milan would be willing to part ways with De Ketelaere for just €35million (£30.78m). However, it is thought that Leicester City and Brighton are now circling the attacking midfielder and looking to stop Leeds from snapping up the Belgian international.
Since swapping Club Brugge for AC Milan, De Ketelaere has struggled to find his feet in Italy and has registered just one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions. It is this form that could see the Italian side wash their hands of him so quickly, as Premier League sides weigh up whether they can unleash the potential that he has shown in the past.
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