Tottenham Hotspur will move to secure a January transfer for Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere, per Calciomercato, rivalling West Ham United and Manchester City for a deal.
Antonio Conte is keen to stamp his mark on the ranks in north London after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo. And the Italian believes Spurs must strengthen their attacking department.
De Ketelaere is highly sought-after ahead of the mid-season market, with AC Milan also in the running for a deal. But the 20-year-old is now ‘very popular’ among staff at Tottenham.
Tottenham will try to secure a January transfer for De Ketelaere and make the Club Brugge striker available for Conte. With Spurs eager to snatch him before a rival suitor can swoop.
The two-cap Belgium forward has enjoyed a fine season so far in the Jupiler Pro League and in Europe. He has scored five and assisted four goals in 19 games across all competitions.
De Ketelaere did not score as Club Brugge lost to Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this month. But the Brugge-native did impress Pep Guardiola with his performance.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who reported after the group stage clash that Guardiola added De Ketelaere to the Citizens’ shortlist. However, he also has admirers at West Ham, Everton and Napoli – also per Calciomercato – after scoring against Italy last month.
Should Tottenham eye a transfer for Club Brugge star De Ketelaere?
While De Ketelaere is ‘very popular’ with Conte’s Tottenham, the north Londoners could struggle to secure a January transfer with Club Brugge for their academy product.
Reports by Voetbal Krant claim neither the 6 ft 3 centre-forward or the Blauw-Zwart will push for a mid-season exit. Believing he has a key role in their Jupiler Pro League title aims.
Club Brugge will also demand a Belgian record to sell De Ketelaere, with €40m (£34m) their price. Eclipsing the €27m (£23m) rising to €32m (£27m) Lille paid Gent for Jonathan David.
But Tottenham can sign a striker Belgium boss Roberto Martinez described as a ‘complete player’ if they were to target a transfer for De Ketelaere and test Club Brugge’s resolve.
“He can turn and respond perfectly – that is his great quality,” Martinez told HLN. “De Ketelaere is technically strong. Someone who can keep up with the ball and play forward.
“But we shouldn’t worry about his position. Charles is a complete player. He should be given a more central role in our setup. In places where he can provide assists.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
