TMW report that in a potential boost to Leeds, Paolo Maldini’s trip to Belgium to agree a fee between Milan and Club Brugge for Charles De Ketelaere has not gone to plan – hours after Jesse Marsch confirmed Leeds are still keen.
Maldini, Milan’s technical director, and director of football Frederic Massara travelled to Belgium on Wednesday. Their task was to agree a fee with Brugge over a fee. Reports say De Ketelaere has already agreed personal terms with Milan.
However, the trip to Belgium has not gone to plan. The Italian champions have not been table to agree a fee – with TMW reporting that the trip ‘did not bear the hoped-for results’. Talks will continue, but only electronically.
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It is a potential boost to Leeds, with Marsch confirming that the club want De Ketelaere – and there is still hope Leeds could get him. Brugge want £30million for their talent, who had a hand in 28 goals for Brugge last term.
Leeds boost: Milan trip for De Ketelaere has not gone to plan
It is potentially huge for Leeds. De Ketelaere has always been first choice for the Whites, as they look to sign a striker. Milan are obviously front runners, given they won Serie A last season, and are in the Champions League draw.
But if Milan cannot get him, Leeds are waiting in the wings. While talks between Milan and Brugge will continue, the chances of Milan doing so look smaller. If they could not agree a fee in person, what are the chances they will now?
Leeds have the finances ready to splash the cash and complete a club-record transfer of £30million for De Ketelaere. Especially, after raking in initial fees of £90million for both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer.
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