Leeds transfer news: Charles de Ketelaere bid revealed as Victor Orta trumps AC Milan to close on deal

Leeds United are reportedly offering a sizeable amount more for Club Brugge attacker Charles De Ketelaere than fellow suitors AC Milan.

The Whites have already added three new signings and are in fact close to a fourth in Luis Sinisterra. The Colombian is closing in on his transfer from Feyenoord following talks with Leeds.

And it is up front where Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is continuing to put all of his focus. He wants to make sure the club have solid resources in attack amid the likelihood of Raphinha’s exit.

De Ketelaere has emerged as a major target for Leeds and Marsch. The 21-year-old Belgium international scored 18 goals and set up 10 others in 49 appearances last season.

AC Milan are also firmly in the race for De Ketelaere, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed how Leeds – led by director of football Victor Orta – are currently in pole position for him.

Indeed, Milan’s best bid so far amounts to €20million (£17million). Leeds, though, are offering more than €30million (£25.7million) – without including add-ons.

From a business perspective, Brugge would therefore want to accept Leeds’ offer. However, it could come down to the player and which project he feels is best for his blossoming career.

Milan won Serie A last season and have Champions League football to look forward to next season. Leeds, though, are looking for stability after only securing their Premier League survival on the final day of last season.

Away from the prospect of European football, De Ketelaere may yet feel that the Premier League would offer him the best chance to prove himself as a striker.

The add-ons from Leeds may yet be more enticing than any such terms Milan have put on the table.

De Ketelaere would be exciting Leeds prospect

Overall, though, it would be exciting to see what De Ketelaere could do in the Premier League.

He has scored 25 goals and assisted 20 others in his 120 outings for Brugge to date.

Not only that, but he has played in a variety of positions, including on both wings and in attacking and wide midfield roles. Such versatility would make him a solid prospect anywhere in the Premier League.

Leeds in battle for Charles De Ketelaere

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

As for Leeds’ goalscoring options, Patrick Bamford is their out-and-out goal-getter. He scored 17 Premier League goals in 2020/21, but injuries halted his progress last term.

He will be looking to prove himself next season. De Ketelaere would therefore likely be something of an understudy – as a striker at least – but with Bamford turning 29 in September, Leeds could do with younger, more long-term options anyway.

And with De Ketelaere, Daniel James and Sinisterra potentially all available to Marsch up front next season, Leeds will be hoping for a better season than last.