Sources: Leeds United in pole position to sign Charles De Ketelaere after late-night development
Leeds United are in pole position to sign striker Charles De Ketelaere following late-night talks, Football Insider understands.
The Premier League club are battling AC Milan for the capture of the versatile Club Brugge attacker as they look to extend their signing spree.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club are confident they have leapfrogged Milan in he race for De Ketalaere after submitting a bid worth more than £25million plus add-ons.
Reports in Italy have suggested the Belgium international, 21, would prefer to join the Italian giants than Leeds.
But the Yorkshire giants are working hard to convince the player and are making progress as they look to take their summer spending beyond the £100million mark.
Discussions over a deal are ongoing and expected to continue today, with Leeds ready to hand the player a lucrative five-year contract.
De Ketelaere has been identified as an attacking player with the potential to make a big impact in the Premier League.
He can play in any of the three forward positions, in a deeper playmaker role or even in midfield, although spent most of last season at centre-forward.
The Belgian responded with 18 goals and 10 assists from 49 matches in all competitons.
Leeds have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in this summer’s window after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
They have signed attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson and right-back Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg for a combined £35m as well as completed the £10m addition of Spaniard Marc Roca.
United are also pushing the finishing touches to the £20m+ captures of RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams and Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra.
In other news, Leeds United tipped to pay ‘premium’ as two signings from Germany mooted.