Pranav Shahaney

Fri 24 March 2023 15:10, UK

Leeds United could look to rekindle their interest in AC Milan attacker Charles de Ketelaere this summer after his torrid debut season at the San Siro.

According to Gazzetta [23 March], the valuation of the Belgium international is in free fall and he’s now available for just £17million.

Leeds offered more money than Milan did last summer when he was leaving Club Brugge, but he ended up moving to Italy.

Club Brugge CEO Vincent Mannaert even went on record to confirm that a £35million offer had arrived from Leeds, which would have then been a club record fee.

He said, “Leeds United offered €40million for Charles. It is not that De Ketelaere was not interested, but at that time his preference was for AC Milan. I never really thought we wouldn’t come to an agreement. In the end, it turned out that we got out relatively quickly.

As things have panned out, it looks like he’s regretting snubbing a move to Elland Road as he’s struggling for game time at Milan.

At 22, the Belgian is still very raw and if Leeds were willing to shell out that much, they surely wouldn’t mind signing him at half price this summer.

This deal could be prioritised given the fact that Rodrigo has not had the best injury record lately and even after scoring against Wolves last weekend, had another injury scare on his left ankle and Phil Hay noticed something untoward.

Much like the Spaniard, de Ketelaere can also play as a 10 and a striker and that’s the mould of attacker Leeds will be looking at should they have to replace Rodrigo, Jack Harrison or any of the other players in the final third.

In other Leeds United news, a Whites player has explained that he’s set to transfer clubs and the move appears subject to an official announcement.

Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.