Leeds United could have second chance at Charles De Ketelaere signing as AC Milan make plan B
Leeds United could have just received a lifeline in their pursuit to sign Charles De Ketelaere this summer with AC Milan now on the ropes.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Italian champions are still not willing to match Club Brugge’s asking price for the 21-year-old and are therefore formulating a plan B instead.
That would see the Rossoneri turn their attention to Stamford Bridge where they would hope to prize Hakim Ziyech away from Chelsea with the Moroccan unsettled at a lack of game time under Thomas Tuchel.
They are willing to pay a lot of money to take the 29-year-old on loan initially before making the move permanent but that has opened the door considerably for Leeds United to swoop in and convince De Ketelaere to come to Elland Road.
The Whites have already matched the asking price Brugge, current champions of Belgium, have set for the Belgian international but the player himself has not been entirely convinced by a move with Champions League football in Milan a more attractive prospect for him.
But with the Serie A title holders now almost ut of the equation, Victor Orta could work his traditional magic once again to bring De Ketelaere to the wonderful Yorkshire.
Jesse Marsch has made no secret that he wants to sign a new attacker to take the challenge to Patrick Bamford initially but he could have one eye on the two being strike partners in the future.
The American coach enjoyed a lot of success at RB Salzburg earlier in his career with a 4-2-2-2 system that based itself on relentless pressing and constant attacking which would suit the Belgian nicely as well as the new recruits already signed to Leeds this summer.
In other Leeds United news, a different striker option for Marsch is causing conflict at his current club as his manager and football advisor disagree on what his future should hold.