Everton enter contention to rival Leeds, Milan for Charles De Ketelaere transfer; list of priorities revealed

Everton have joined the race for Club Brugge forward and AC Milan target Charles De Ketelaere, according to reports.

De Ketelaere looks likely to be on the move this summer. He scored 14 goals in 33 league games for Club Brugge last season. Consequently, he has emerged onto the radar of several clubs across Europe.

Leeds United have been trying to bring him to the Premier League. However, they face competition for his transfer from Serie A champions AC Milan, whom he would seemingly prefer.

There have also been hints of interest from elsewhere in England, such as Southampton. Now, Gazzetta Dello Sport – while covering Milan’s interest – have added Everton into contention.

The Toffees have already lost one attacker this summer by selling Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur. Hence, they could do with reinforcing their frontline, especially after an injury-hit campaign for main man Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Turning to De Ketelaere may be a solution to their issues. He outscored any Everton player in the 2021-22 season, during which Frank Lampard led the club away from relegation danger – but not that early that they ever felt fully comfortable.

However, like fellow relegation-battle survivors Leeds, Everton may not be De Ketelaere’s preference. Instead, he is still holding out for a move to Milan for now.

The picture could change, Gazzetta claim, if one of the top six clubs in the Premier League make an offer. In that event, they would take priority over Milan – with any other suitors like Leeds, Southampton or Everton lagging behind.

For now, though, it looks as if Milan are winning the race to sign De Ketelaere for a fee between €30m and €35m (£25.4m-£29.6m).

Club Brugge are not rushing into a sale, though, the report notes. Therefore, there could be time for some of his lower-ranked Premier League admirers to persuade him to choose them instead.

Everton could be good choice for De Ketelaere

If he is to change clubs, moving to Milan will be the only way at present for De Ketelaere to keep playing in the Champions League. Therefore, the appeal of the Rossoneri is clear to see.

What’s more, they have been looking for another player to field in behind the main striker, which is a region in which the versatile Belgian can operate.

Leeds in battle for Charles De Ketelaere

Leeds are in a battle with AC Milan for Belgian youngster Charles De Ketelaere.

However, he would face tough competition for places at San Siro. Alternatively, a move to a lower-half Premier League club could give him a good platform from which to progress.

Everton will be one of the more ambitious sides in that regard. They are used to being in a more comfortable region of the table and will be hoping Lampard’s first full season goes well.

With the exit of Richarlison, there is a space for De Ketelaere to take at Goodison Park. However, if he backs himself, the Milan move may remain the most appealing.

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