Leeds United are now thought to be in talks with Club Brugge over a move for Charles de Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: Phil Hay update

The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Elland Road over the last seven days, with reports suggesting that Leeds were willing to pay big for the 21-year-old’s services.

Phil Hay provided an update on Saturday, claiming that the Whites are ‘serious’ about signing the Belgian with a view to utilising him as a forward.

The 21-year-old enjoyed his best season in front of goal in 2021/22 with 18 goals and 10 assists in 49 matches, and it looks as if Leeds have now taken the next step in their bid to secure his services.

The Latest: Talks open

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Monday’s print edition of The Daily Mail [27 June, pg. 63].

They claimed that Leeds are now ‘in talks’ with Club Brugge over a move for De Ketelaere, citing a £26m fee.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

De Ketelaere appears to fit the bill at Elland Road and could form a partnership with Patrick Bamford in a 4-2-2-2 system under Jesse Marsch, should a move go through.

He also has experience of playing anywhere in behind, on the wing or in midfield, so his versatility could be a real bonus for the Whites.

A £26m fee could also be a great piece of business when you consider that his Transfermarkt valuation has risen from £4.5m to £27m in just over two years, and with talks now underway, we could see further developments regarding a move this week.