Journalist Carlo Pellegatti has claimed that there is no chance midfielder Charles De Ketelaere departs AC Milan in the January transfer window.
The Belgian midfielder has been linked with Leeds United after struggling with his form since arriving in the summer, but Pellegatti has squashed any talk of a transfer.
Speaking to Radio Rossonera, the journalist emphasised that Milan would not be in the market for an attacking midfielder and that the club are confident the 21-year-old’s form will improve soon.
“It’s not even talked about. Milan absolutely do not want to move him. A few days ago I asked if we would go on a 10 or a 7 on the market and I was clearly told that we don’t need a 10,” Pellegatti stated.
“The difficulties of the last few weeks are only temporary. They don’t think he isn’t a player who will be able to express his qualities in the coming months. This thing became more acute yesterday with the joint deal with Belgium.”
TIF thoughts on De Ketelaere
The former Club Brugge star arrived at the San Siro with a lot of hype, but has failed to deliver on it thus far, with zero goals and just one assist in 18 appearances, and has attracted a lot of criticism.
Joining a club as big as Milan, particularly off the back of their first Serie A title in over a decade, was always going to be a tough ask for a young player, and once he adapts he will have much more to offer.
The World Cup break has come at the right time for the Belgium international, and a decent showing in Qatar could give him a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the second half of the season.
Milan are right not to consider selling him just yet and will be well served in giving their £29m transfer more time to prove himself.