Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton has confirmed Leeds United’s interest in Club Brugge attacker Charles De Ketelaere but does have reservations about a transfer.
A fortnight ago an update from Fabrizio Romano emerged to say that Leeds were ‘monitoring’ the Belgian starlet who scored 18 times and produced a further 10 assists last season.
He caught they eye of Pep Guardiola after Manchester City met Brugge in the Champions League last term while a report from 90min revealed that fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City had been keeping tabs on the 21-year-old for months and were confident of striking a deal.
The same outlet claimed that Serie A champions AC Milan were also keen with €40m (£34m) the desired asking price
Could Leeds sign De Ketelaere?
Yes
No
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Thornton reinforced reports citing Leeds as potential suitors for one of Europe’s brightest prospects but he did question their position in the race with stiff competition to overcome.
“He’s one that I think Leeds like a lot. I think there is genuine interest in him, so he’s one they’re looking at. Whether they can progress that deal remains to be seen.”
TIF Thoughts on De Ketelaere and Leeds United…
Indeed since Thornton’s comments were made Milan have opened the bidding for ‘King Charles’ as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio (via Fabrizio Romano).
The Rossoneri are said to have approached Brugge with an offer of €20m (£17.1m) plus add ons but the Belgian outfit will seek a higher fee which could still leave Leeds in with a chance.
Journalist Sven Claes labelled the centre-forward, who has demonstrated his versatility before, as ‘phenomenal’ on the ball despite his rangey 6 ft 2 frame and the Whites could capitalise with a higher offer.
However, with the Italian giants able to offer Champions League football, playing at the elite level is always likely to come up trump and Thornton’s concerns could well hold true.