Leeds United Transfer News: De Ketelaere breakthrough? Mata & Tymon latest
By Joel Edkins
Leeds back in the race for Charles De Ketelaere?
Leeds United, along with Leicester City have been credited as holding an interest in Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere since the window opened.
An 8x capped Belgium international aged 21, De Ketelaere is most familiar with leading the line but can also play on either flank or behind the striker.
At 6ft-3in, a lazy comparison could be to current number ‘9’ Patrick Bamford, but he is less of a target man and possesses a dribbling ability not likened to his potential future teammate.
It is no surprise that Jesse Marsch is targeting a striker when taking into account Bamford’s tarnished injury record of late and there is certainly room for both players if the Englishman returns to fitness.
Notwithstanding De Ketelaere’s suitability to Leeds’ needs, the Yorkshire club could be set to miss out on their primary target.
Last week reports coming out of Italy suggested Leeds were cooling their interest amid suggestions that Italian champions AC Milan were advancing in negotiations for the player’s signature.
However, a difference in opinion over De Ketelaere’s valuation could see Leeds re-enter the fray. Belgian journalist Alexandre Braeckman, as quoted by Sport Witness, state ‘Club Brugge want close to €40m for their star, while Milan’s offer is just over €30m’.
There are conflicting reports mapping out Leeds’ next move but Italian outlet Calciomercato, via Football Italia, believes Leeds have offered €37m including various add-ons, far closer to Brugge’s demands.