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AC Milan incoming could allow Leeds United to ramp up January loan move for Charles De Ketelaere
Charles De Ketelaere is a name most Leeds United fans will be acutely aware of after the Yorkshire side’s well-documented pursuit of the 21-year-old.
The Daily Mail reported (25 June) that Leeds were set to table a £26million bid for the then Club Brugge attacker. Sadly, the forward’s focus was always on securing a move to Serie A giants AC Milan, and ultimately, he got his wish.
After his arrival at the San Siro, football scout Birger Van De Velde suggested De Ketealere has “something special” (AC Milan website, 4 August), with big things expected of the attacker.
However, things haven’t been going to plan for the Belgium international this season with just one assist to his name in 18 appearances for the Italian club. Further disappointment has followed with Belgium crashing out of the World Cup at the first hurdle.
His poor form has led to questions emerging surrounding his AC Milan future, and CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested (GIVEMESPORT, 1 December) that Leeds are keeping an eye on his situation, with a January loan deal potentially on the cards.
At the moment, it’s purely speculation, but these rumours could well turn into something more substantial should AC Milan add another attacker to their ranks. Gazzetta Dello Sport suggest (26 November) Milan are looking at Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech as they look to add further firepower, after De Ketelaere’s poor start to the campaign.
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If the Chelsea man does move to the San Siro, it could allow for De Ketelaere to end his miserable spell at the club and depart on loan. Leeds will continue to be linked with the forward, but it will take a lot of pieces to fall in place for a move to materialise.
Ziyech’s good form at the World Cup will certainly have caught the Rossoneri’s eye ahead of the winter window opening. From a Leeds perspective, another attacker is a must, with Patrick Bamford struggling for form in the first half of the season.
In other Leeds United news, we can exclusively reveal that a takeover by the 49ers could be done within weeks.