Leeds United start to give up on Charles De Ketelaere transfer as AC Milan circle
Leeds United are starting to give up on their pursuit of Club Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere this summer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian journalist has reported that signals are now emerging from Elland Road that the Whites board are pessimistic about getting a deal over the line.
It is now down to the AC Milan directors to come up with an agreement for De Ketelaere, who still wants assurances on his starting place and the tactics at the San Siro.
Leeds have already completed six signings this summer, with a new striker the final piece of the jigsaw.
Jesse Marsch and the squad are set to jet out to Australia on Sunday, and it looks as though Victor Orta will be left at home to concentrate on finding that new number nine.
De Ketelaere looks destined for the San Siro, but AC Milan appear to be dragging their feet with regards to reaching an agreement with Club Brugge.
Leeds are prepared to pay £31.6million to bring the Belgian wonder to Elland Road [Mirror], and that could see trouble for Milan, something that could even open the door once again for this move.
Smart?
If Leeds are getting no positive sounds from the camp of De Ketelaere, then this is the best way forward.
The worst-case scenario would be getting to August and not having another striker on board, with Marsch surely wanting his plans complete before that first game against Wolves.
Orta is always prepared for eventualities such as this and will have a long list of new strikers on the table already.
De Ketelaere was the marquee option, and there was always the chance that it would be impossible to complete, something that is looking more likely with each passing day.
The Raphinha cash will be critical should he eventually seal his exit soon, and if that does arrive in the next, Leeds could make one last push for the Brugges striker.
It is never over until an announcement is made, and with AC Milan not exactly acting quickly, anything could happen across the next week – this is one to watch.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle