21-YEAR-OLD HAS ASKED TO BE LEFT OUT OF KEY FIXTURE TODAY, LEEDS HAVE OFFERED £30M DEAL - HITC 24/7/22
Olly Dawes
Leeds United want Charles De Ketelaere but the Club Brugge
ace has pulled himself out of this afternoon’s game against Genk.
The Whites are focusing on signing a striker as they look to
reinvest some of the cash from Raphinha’s big-money move to Barcelona.
Patrick Bamford is still a quality striker but his injury
problems last season mean Leeds have to invest in another goalscorer.
Paris Saint-Germain talent Arnaud Kalimuendo continues to be
linked but Leeds do have other targets in mind.
A key name of late has been De Ketelaere, with Leeds
somewhat falling in love with the Club Brugge talent.
Leeds have left a £30million offer on the table for De
Ketelaere for weeks now, seemingly hoping that their bid will be successful in
the end.
De Ketelaere’s versatility to play out wide, up front,
behind a striker and even in midfield has left Leeds desperate to sign him.
Having hit 18 goals and 10 assists last season whilst
possessing quick feet at a giant 6ft 3in tall, who wouldn’t love De Ketelaere
and his huge potential?
The problem for Leeds has been rival interest from Serie A
champions AC Milan, though their talks in Belgium last week didn’t go to plan.
Jesse Marsch has suggested that Leeds have not given up hope
just yet but they know how difficult a move will be this summer.
Club Brugge take on Genk today and De Ketelaere will not be
in action as speculation continues over his future.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad report that De Ketelaere
has asked not to play just to avoid any possible injury ahead of a potential
exit.
De Ketelaere is hoping to secure a transfer very soon and
asked to be left out despite new boss Carl Hoefkens – formerly of Stoke City –
suggesting that he was counting on the 21-year-old.
It’s clear that everyone at Club Brugge is expecting a deal
to be done soon, but with Milan’s move stalling, Leeds still have a real chance
at a deal here.
