Newcastle identified as preferred buyer with report claiming Milan will bin off former Leeds target at first opportunity

Newcastle United will reportedly be offered the chance to sign a former transfer target this summer following his failure to settle at AC Milan.

Charles De Ketelaere moved to the San Siro last summer following a lengthy transfer chase. At the time, it was Leeds United who were pushing the hardest to sign the young Belgian, who had caught the eye with Club Brugges.

Indeed, the Whites even submitted the highest bid for De Ketelaere this summer as the Whites looked to add more goals to their attack.

To that end, their former boss Jesse Marsch recently went on record to state just how close Leeds were to securing a deal.

The young forward, though, was only intent on signing for Milan. And while the Leeds approach made life difficult for the Italian giants, they ultimately prevailed, signing the player on a deal to 2027.

That transfer fee also sets Milan back an estimated £27.5m, with a further £3.5m due in bonuses and add-ons.

However, the move to the San Siro has not worked out as planned for De Ketelaere or Milan. So far, the player has just one assist and zero goals to his name from 26 appearances for the Rossonneri.

To that end, it is safe to say that De Ketelaere is still adapting to his new surroundings. And while many at Milan feel it is just a matter of time before he comes good, there are reports in the Italian media suggesting time may already be against him.

De Ketelaere linked with summer move to Newcastle

Indeed, as per Calciomercatoweb, Milan are already looking to move on the forward this summer.

And the Italian site claims they are ready to turn to Newcastle as potential buyers. Indeed, while Eddie Howe’s side were linked with a move for De Ketelaere last year, the Magpies never actually actively pursued his signature.

Yet the website claims Newcastle are being identified by Milan as ‘preferred buyers’ for De Ketelaere if they do choose to make him available.

De Ketelaere did come on as a second-half substitute in Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Tottenham. And while he failed to register during the 1-0 win, he did come in for some warm praise from Milan coach Stefano Piolo.

He told Sky Italia of the player: “He needed more time than we thought to settle in and understand a new environment. He is better physically and mentally.

“Of course, I hoped for the goal and especially for him. I told him he would score when he came in. He works well, and the goal will come. He will find space and give us satisfaction.”

Despite that, Calciomercatoweb are adamant that De Ketelaere will be moved on.

Quite what the fee would be remains to be seen. However, the reigning Serie A champions will surely find themselves struggling to get the full amount back.

Yet it is hard to see where De Ketelaere would fit in at St James’ Park too. Not really a typical out-and-out striker, he is perhaps struggling to adjust in his preferred role as a No 10 with a lack of goals and assists proving that.

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