De Ketelaere transfer to be determined in the ‘next 48 hours’ as Leeds Utd make decisive call

Leeds United have made a judgement call on the prospect of signing Charles De Ketelaere and whether the Belgian will actually leave Club Brugge should become clear in the next 48 hours, per a report.

The Whites have chased the Belgian forward, 21, for several weeks. De Ketelaere is one of the hottest prospects to come out of Belgium in recent years and is in the crosshairs of both Leeds United and AC Milan.

Jesse Marsch is seeking to provide competition for Patrick Bamford up top. Leeds struggled mightily in front of goal in Bamford’s absences last year.

De Ketelaere can operate as the centre-forward or in behind the striker. His versatility would ensure he’d always have a place in Marsch’s plans even if Bamford avoids any trips to the treatment table.

Brugge are understood to be angling for as much as they can get for their prized asset. As such, it’s no surprise to see De Ketelaere’s future dragging on given there are two serious bidders.

Leeds are prepared to go above and beyond Milan’s bid, with Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) reporting an offer north of £31m had been tabled.

Thus far, Milan have bid just £25.4m and Brugge are reportedly holding out for closer to £30m.

CDK resolution coming?

Leeds can match and even exceed that valuation. If the reports are accurate, their last bid did in fact surpass the figure Brugge want.

However, the player is strongly against a move to Elland Road, instead preferring a switch to the San Siro.

Gazzetta report Leeds have been so discouraged by the lack of progress that they have now ‘stepped aside’.

The door is therefore open for Milan to walk through. The report adds the next 48 hours should give us all an indication of whether Milan will up their bid, and in turn, if Brugge will finally accept it now Leeds are seemingly out of the equation.

De Ketelaere alternatives named

With De Ketelaere’s future now looking certain it won’t be in West Yorkshire, all eyes will be on who Leeds fix their gaze on next.

PSG striker, Arnaud Kalimuendo, continues to draw links and the French side are reportedly open to selling.

The Parisians want £21m for their striker and Leeds’ first bid of around £17m was rejected. L’Equipe subsequently reported an improved bid has been lodged and the two clubs are in negotiations.

Elsewhere, the same outlet also put Rennes striker, Martin Terrier, on their radar.

That is the same club Raphinha was bought for in 2020 and it’s claimed the 24-year-old would cost around £34m.

That is roughly the same amount Leeds had earmarked for a De Ketelaere deal. As such, the move would be financially viable if their interest is firmed up.