Leeds hopes of landing De Ketelaere fading with Prem rival tipped to gazump all with ‘super salary’ offer

Leeds have another obstacle between themselves and Charles De Ketelaere after a report claimed a Premier League rival may go big to land the Belgian.

De Ketelaere, 21, plies his trade for Belgian side Club Brugge. The rangy attacker operates primarily in central areas either up front or in pockets behind the striker.

He is quickly becoming a man in demand this summer with links to three Premier League sides forming.

Indeed, Leeds United, Arsenal and now Southampton have been mooted alongside a swoop. What’s more, the latest from Italy suggests the Saints could soon flex their muscles.

The Italian report focuses mainly on the interest of De Ketelaere’s fourth suitor, AC Milan.

The Serie A champions are believed to be the player’s preference if he does move. Milan have reportedly lodged a bid worth an initial £17.2m.

Brugge are holding out for a higher sum amid the growing interest. Leeds are understood to have tabled a higher offer than AC, with their bid potentially reaching £30m pending add-ons.

Gazzetta dello Sport provide an update on those bids, and via Sport Witness, explain how Southampton fit in.

Leeds facing uphill struggle

Firstly, it’s claimed Brugge have knocked back Milan’s bid. They do not indicate the result of Leeds’ bid, though a separate report from Belgium stressed De Ketelaere does not want to join the Whites.

Southampton will be hopeful the player is not entirely against a move to the Premier League after entering the frame. The Saints can table a higher offer than AC as well as a ‘super salary’, states the report.

Whether Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side firm up their interest remains to be seen. AC will certainly be hoping they don’t and their fears over the financial power the English sides possess is documented in the piece.

Should it come down to numbers alone, Milan know they’ll lose out. However, what they’re reportedly banking on is the prestige of joining a club like AC Milan. That, and the fact they have Champions League football to offer.

Where will De Ketelaere end up?

Southampton are closing in on a deal to sign Rangers’ Joe Aribo. An initial £6m will land Nigeria international who could be viewed as a cheaper alternative to De Ketelaere if Saints settle at just one new attacker.

Leeds, meanwhile, do appear intent on being the highest bidder for the Belgian. However, as Steven Bergwijn showed when agreeing to join Ajax for £9m less than Man Utd were prepared to pay, player power can determine the final destination.

AC Milan are Serie A champions, have Champions League football, and per Gazzetta, are willing to improve their opening offer.

As such, if De Ketelaere is to leave Brugge this summer, a move to Milan looks the most likely.