Leeds have come forward for 18-goal star, but Orta won’t pay asking price

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Leeds United have come forward to register their interest in buying Charles De Ketelaere, but the Elland Road outfit have baulked at paying Club Brugge’s asking price this summer.

That’s according to Sport Voetbal Magazine, who report the Whites are the latest club to show interest in the 21-year-old. De Ketelaere is highly in-demand among Premier League clubs after producing a scintillating season at the Jan Breydel Stadium in the 2021/22 term.

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The eight-cap Belgium maestro hit home 18 goals and laid on 10 assists in all competitions over 49 appearances. He also dazzled in the Champions League during meetings with Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Manchester City, despite only offering one assist altogether.

De Ketelaere exploded as an offensive weapon during the recent season as he shone from a myriad of roles. The Brugge native is naturally a centre-forward, but also excels on either flank or in behind a striker with a chance to pull the strings as others dart past defenders.

Defenders also struggled to contain De Ketelaere last season as he used his 6 ft 3 frame to hold off their challenges. He additionally had the pace to beat his marker, and helped Club Brugge to defend from the front by relentlessly putting opposition players under pressure.

Leeds are interested in De Ketelaere but not at Club Brugge’s asking price

Leeds are now interested in seeing what De Ketelaere can offer in the Premier League, but not at Club Brugge’s asking price. Whites director of football Victor Orta baulked at paying the Blauw-Zwart the €40m (£34.5m) they believe their academy product is worth this year.

A wealth of potential suitors elsewhere in England and in Europe only serves to strengthen Club Brugge’s position. While De Ketelaere is also unenthusiastic of a move to Elland Road on the back of Jesse Marsch guiding the West Yorkshire natives to safety on the final day.