AC Milan are closing in on the signing of Charles De Ketelaere despite the interest from Leeds United, according to a report.
The Athletic are reporting that Leeds expressed a concrete interest in signing the 21-year-old forward, but it seems the Rossoneri are ‘now favourites to complete the transfer’ as ‘senior Milan figures optimistic of success’.
Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are flying to Belgium today for negotiations with Club Brugge directly so they can iron out any final issues, but the belief is that the Belgium international will become Milan’s fourth signing of the summer after Divock Origi plus the permanent deals for Alessandro Florenzi and Junior Messias.
In terms of his role, Milan see him as a player who would upgrade the right wing and attacking midfielder positions in one swoop. Milan also considered Paulo Dybala as an option – who has just joined Roma today – but decided that De Ketelaere was ‘better fit with the philosophy of signing young talent with major potential’.
De Ketelaere racked up 18 goals in 49 appearances for Brugge last season, adding 10 assists, and Stefano Pioli – who prefers a 4-2-3-1 – would certainly welcome a player who has played in every position across the front line for his current club.
