Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v Belgium - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - March 26, 2022 Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere with teammates line up during the national anthems before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
Leeds United have been boosted in their bid to sign Charles De Ketelaere this summer, with AC Milan potentially turning their attention elsewhere.
The Lowdown: De Ketelaere rumours ongoing
The Club Brugge youngster has stood out as one of the Whites’ biggest transfer targets of the summer, with endless reports linking the 21-year-old with a move to Elland Road.
De Ketelaere is considered one of Belgium’s brightest up-and-coming young players, having scored once in eight caps for the senior national team to date.
Leeds have been battling Milan for the attacking midfielder’s services, with the Serie A club seemingly favourites at one point, but a new update suggests that the Whites could now be the front-runners to sign him.
The Latest: Leeds receive De Ketelaere boost
According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Milan are now focusing on signing Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech instead of De Ketelaere, paving the way for Leeds to potentially have a free run at snapping him up.
The Whites are willing to meet Brugge’s demands for the 21-year-old, so everything appears to be moving in the right direction from the Premier League club’s point of view.
The Verdict: Big opportunity for Leeds
The lure of Milan remains great for many players, given their huge stature and prestige as a club, as well as being Serie A champions, so this update comes as a big boost for Leeds.
If true, it means that the Whites may look more likely to acquire De Ketelaere’s signature now that the Rossoneri are shifting their attention towards Ziyech.
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The Belgian wizard has already scored 25 goals and registered 20 assists for Brugge, despite his tender years, and he is someone who could give Leeds’ team some extra magic in the final third, not to mention improving squad depth dramatically.
Milan’s focus towards Ziyech could now give Jesse Marsch and co a glorious opportunity to finally win the race for De Ketelaere.
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