Charles De Ketelaere: Jesse Marsch addresses Leeds Utd transfer miss with signings still planned and Chile star coming into sharp focus

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch remains unfazed after seeing his side miss out on the signing of Charles De Ketelaere – and admits talks will be held with Andrea Radrizzani in the coming days as they look to finish the transfer window strongly.

The Whites have busily added seven new signings to their squad this summer, with quality additions all over the pitch. Indeed, Brenden Aaronson proved one of the stars of the show as Leeds warmed up for the new season with a friendly win over Cagliari. That 6-2 win saw the American register three assists, including one sublime through ball to Patrick Bamford.

Bamford scored twice in the win, with Rodrigo adding a hat-trick. On the evidence of Sunday’s game, you may assume Leeds do not need to add to their firepower. But facing the tougher Premier League opponents week-in, week-out – together with Bamford’s punishing injury record – certainly suggests they do.

Indeed, Leeds have been in the market for a new striker all summer, with De Ketelaere a top target. He was the subject of a huge £33.8m bid from Leeds at the back end of June, an offer that has sat with Club Brugges since.

However, De Ketelaere has always fancied a move to Milan and that move is virtually over the line. Described now as being ‘one step away’, De Ketelaere will likely be confirmed as a Milan player in the coming days.

Leeds have been linked with alternatives such as Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier. And over the weekend, they were once again reportedly ready to go back in for former target Che Adams. That link though has since been dismissed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

Jesse Marsch ready to talk Leeds transfers to Radrizzani

However, one thing we can say is that Leeds do remain active and still hope to add a couple more signings before the window shuts. Left-back also remains an issue for Leeds with Junior Firpo currently injured. Centra-half Pascal Struijk looks likely to have to cover there for the start of the season.

Marsch, though, insists talks will be held with Radrizzani in the coming days to discuss their next plan of attack after speaking out on their De Ketelaere miss.

Asked if he’s heard anything on De Ketelaere’s move to Milan and their interest in alternatives, Marsch gave an honest answer to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“I think he is, I think Charles De Ketelaere is confirmed from what we’re hearing to go to Milan. But nothing’s been announced, so we’ve treated it for two or three weeks like he’s not coming,” Marsch said.

“Andrea is here this week, we’ll have a lot of good discussions.”

Marsch is happy with the players signed so far, but is suggesting Leeds United are not yet done.

“With the five guys we brought in we were totally clear that these five guys were who we wanted and we went out and got them. And I’m very thankful to Andre and Victor [Orta], for getting those done,” Marsch added.

“They did a really good job early to secure those players so that they can be integrated into our team. And that’s made us strong for where we are right now.

“Now we just got to be really clever about how to make the next editions. If we make two or three more that we are as as confident as we were with those guys.”

Ben Brereton Diaz linked again after Charles De Ketelaere miss

One man who may be back on the agenda is Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Blackburn forward has been linked with Leeds for some time.

He scored 22 times in 38 appearances last season as Blackburn at one stage looked on course for promotion.

Now it’s claimed they could come back in for Brereton Diaz again as they look to add more firepower to their ranks.

That assessment comes from transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, who believes Leeds remain keen.

He said to Give Me Sport: “He is one on their (Leeds) list still as he is of several other clubs, including West Ham.

“He had a brilliant season at Blackburn last year. He’s established himself in the Chile national team as well. In this current market he’s going to be relatively cheap considering he’s in the final year of his contract.

“Blackburn probably have to cash in on him rather than allowing him to run down his contract.”

Indeed, Leeds could snare Brereton Diaz for around £15m – £17m were they to make their move. The step up to the Premier League is a big jump for some players.

Leeds in battle for Charles De Ketelaere

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

But the Blackburn man is already established on the international arena so has an advantage over most.

As such, his signing looks to be a low-risk addition for Leeds. And he’s a player who can come into their squad and add other options alongside Bamford, Rodrigo and Joe Gelhardt.

Leeds, meanwhile, have confirmed the exit of Kiko Casilla, clearing the decks for the addition of a popular goalkeeper.