Leeds: 'Special' £34m star now 'one to watch' at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United’s pursuit of AC Milan attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere is ‘definitely one to keep an eye on’, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The 21-year-old only joined the reigning Serie A champions from Club Brugge in the summer after turning down the opportunity to make the switch to Elland Road but could finally be set to sign for the Whites.

The Athletic revealed that Leeds had agreed a £34 million fee with Club Brugge and hoped to agree personal terms with De Ketelaere.

However, the Belgium international’s agent Tom De Mul has since admitted that despite the west Yorkshire outfit presenting the ‘best’ financial options, his client only wanted to join Milan.

“Financially, Leeds would have been the best option. For Club Brugge, for Charles, for us,” admitted De Mul. “But Charles wanted to wait a little longer. When Charles felt that Milan were 100% serious things started to turn.”

De Ketelaere, who has been labelled ‘special’, has struggled to make an impact for the Rossoneri, though, and has been linked with a shock imminent exit as a result.

90min have claimed that Leeds are one of several clubs from across the continent contemplating making a loan bid for the frustrated youngster and that Milan haven’t ruled out sanctioning his exit on a temporary basis.

What has Jacobs said about De Ketelaere?

Jacobs has informed GiveMeSport that he ‘can’t see Milan wanting him to leave’ but that Leeds may have ‘a chance’ to sign De Ketelaere over the coming months.

He told GMS: “I can’t see Milan wanting him to leave, I can’t see Milan allowing him to leave on a permanent deal. But it is clear that things are not 100% working because the player isn’t totally settled.

“And that just might allow Leeds a chance either for January, or if not, perhaps instead over the summer to make their move. So, that is definitely one to keep an eye on for sure.”

Would De Ketelaere be a good signing?

De Ketelaere established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the European game at Club Brugge, registering 25 goals and 20 assists in 120 appearances, claiming three league titles along the way.

Nevertheless, the 6 foot 4 ace has been unable to make a similar impact in his opening few months as a Milan player.

A return of just one assist and no goals from his first 18 outings for the Italian giants has raised question marks over his ability and long-term future at the club.

Leeds will surely be hoping to benefit from that, although they may have to settle for a loan deal due to De Ketelaere’s underlying quality.