Mighty Leeds Weblog

Tim Whelan Leeds have increased the bid for Charles De Ketelaere to €40 million, which is likely to be beyond the means of AC Milan, our rivals for the Belgian’s signature. But the player himself is said to prefer a move to the Italian Champions. De Ketelaere usually operates as an attacking central midfielder, but can play on either wing, if we should ever feel that we haven’t got enough wingers up front already. And he’s known to make intelligent late runs into the box, where his height of 6 foot 3 comes in handy, but although he could become a backup for Patrick Bamford if necessary, he doesn’t often play as an out and out striker. The 21-year-old scored 18 times for Club Brugge during last season, and it’s no surprise that when Club Brugge announced they were willing to part with him if the price was right, there was plenty of interest from across the continent. Leicester City were said to have made an enquiry, but AC Milan seemed to be the front runners, with technical direc...

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 tal...

Jesse Marsch says Leeds United have moved on to fresh striker targets but says Charles De Ketelaere is not a transfer dead end just yet for the Whites. By Graham Smyth The versatile Belgian striker has been top of Victor Orta’s list for a centre forward vacancy in Marsch’s squad, as Leeds attempt to provide competition and back-up for Patrick Bamford. But AC Milan have moved into prime position, with the 21-year-old keen on a move to San Siro to join the Serie A champions. Marsch’s expectation is that De Ketelaere will indeed go elsewhere, so Orta is working on alternative options. "The striker one, I think it’s been well documented that De Ketelaere was a goal of ours and it’s not finished yet with him,” said Marsch. "But we’ve also moved on to some other targets trying to figure out which would be the best fit if in the end, which is what we believe, he will not be available.” As for left-back, Leeds went into the summer window content to stick with Junior Fir...

All the latest Leeds United transfer news and rumours as Jesse Marsch continues his bid to strengthen his squad. By Jamie Kemble Leeds United are stepping up their preparations for the new season in Australia. The Whites are already off the mark with their first summer win, beating Brisbane Roar on Thursday thanks to goals from Joe Gelhardt and Dan James. Results mean little at this stage of the summer, but Jesse Marsch will take plenty of positives from the first game Down Under. Leeds will face Aston Villa next up, taking on their Premier League rivals on Saturday, meanwhile, work will continue behind the scenes as Marsch looks to navigate the summer transfer window. The Whites have already been very active in this window, but key departures mean they may not be done just yet. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Elland Road. Striker talks Leeds are said to be ‘intensifying’ negotiations in a bid to sign Arnaud K...

Leeds United are currently speaking to three potential replacements for Kalvin Phillips, including RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams. By Graham Smyth Manchester City are expected to complete their pursuit of Phillips when he returns from his holiday and the YEP understands Whites director of football Victor Orta is talking to a trio he believes could come in this summer. American international Adams is high up on Orta's list and has worked with Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch twice previously, at New York Red Bulls and RB Leipzig. Adams, 23, moved to the Bundesliga to reunite with Marsch in January 2019 and has racked up 102 appearances for Leipzig, 14 of which have come in the Champions League. The 19-cap midfielder, previously linked to Arsenal, has shown versatility with stints at right-back and on the right side of midfield, but the deep-lying position that Phillips made his own at Elland Road is where Adams has played the vast majority of his football. His fellow Red Bull...