Leeds United throw in towel in race to sign Charles De Ketelaere, will now push for Arnaud Kalimuendo
Leeds United have thrown in the towel in the race to sign Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere, according to Calciomercato on Monday (11 July).
The Italian outlet has reported on their website that the Whites have now accepted that the Belgian wonder only wants to wear the red and black of AC next season and beyond.
Not all is lost though, with Leeds now set to push to bring in Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo on a permanent deal instead this summer.
De Ketelaere is said to be sitting out of Brugges’ next three pre-season games as he looks to not pick up any injuries before he potentially moves away.
That being said, he will still train and keep up his work off the pitch to stay in top shape with his future certainly looking away from the Belgian club.
Leeds are said to be offering much more than AC Milan though, and that could change things should the Italian side not be able to match it all and end up being turned away.
Shortlist.
Victor Orta has always put together a list with multiple names on for whichever position he is targeting for this Leeds squad, that is how it has always worked.
This is the perfect example of when it could work, with De Ketelaere proving to be a real slippy operator.
Phil Hay reported on Monday (11 July) that a move was on the cards for the Belgian international once Raphinha was sold to Barcelona, with that also progressing.
So, there may be another twist in this tale.
Having said that, Leeds have also been reported to have had a bid rejected by PSG for Kalimuendo already equalling up to £17.1millon [The Independent].
With that being said, it looks as though that isn’t going to be the easiest deal to finalise either.
One thing for sure is that a new number nine is desperately needed at Elland Road, and Jesse Marsch will want that done before the squad gets back from Australia at the latest.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle