AC Milan are increasingly confident of sealing the signing of Charles De Ketelaere before close of play Wednesday after submitting a new and improved offer to Club Brugges.
The future of the 21-year-old has been one of the transfer stories of the summer. De Ketelaere finds himself very much a man in demand with Leeds and Milan both going toe-to-toe for his signature. However, it seems like an end to the long-running saga is finally in sight.
De Ketelaere has made clear his wish to sign for the Italian champions right from the start. However, Leeds – fuelled by the cash from Raphinha’s sale to Barcelona – have had a huge £33.9m bid sat on the table for weeks.
That has given Milan a serious problem – and a big shortfall to make up. Indeed, their opening offer was for a mere £17m a few weeks back.
Since then, two more bids have been launched, with the third still falling short of Leeds’ offer.
That bid saw Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massala both fly to Belgium to try and reach a breakthrough.
However, with a self-imposed deadline set by both clubs for last weekend passing without an agreement reached, Leeds suddenly found themselves back in the race.
Milan, though, have gone back to the drawing board and on Monday night it emerged that a new bid has been launched.
As reported by RTL News in Belgium, this ‘last effort’ is Milan’s best bid yet. It is reportedly worth £27.9m and include a percentage of any future sell-on.
How much of that is up front remains to be seen and whether Brugges will accept the offer.
That said, there is now some optimism that this deal will finally be accepted.
Charles De Ketelaere transfer timeline revealed
In event of the latest developments, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update.
He claims talks between Milan and Brugges will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday. And it is hoped the two clubs can find common ground before close of play Wednesday.
De Ketelaere is still pushing for a move to Milan and they remain his No 1 choice. To that end, the player asked to sit out Brugges’ opening Jupiler Pro match over the weekend, with the situation threatening to turn ugly.
However, there is now a belief that the player will finally get the move he craves.
He will know by close of play on Wednesday whether Milan’s final push has been accepted by Brugges.
If not, Leeds will be then become transfer favourites, though it seems the reality of missing out is starting to set in for the Premier League side.
Leeds look to two other targets
Despite their disappointment, Leeds United do have other irons in the fire with a deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo reportedly struck.
The PSG frontman has impressed during two seasons on loan with Lens. Leeds saw an opening offer rejected but have since reportedly agreed to meet PSG’s £21m asking price.
Leeds are also on the trail of Martin Terrier from Rennes. He will cost even more with a fee of £34m being quoted.
The player, though, has spoken out on links to Leeds and Liverpool, and has seemingly played down his chances of a move.
As it goes, a deal for Kalimuendo looks far more likely. He is capable of playing in a central striking position, or off the left wing when he likes to cut inside and shoot.
Any deal for the 20-year-old, though, will likely contain a buy-back clause entitling PSG to bring him back after a two-year period.
Their boss Christophe Galtier has already spoken out over his admiration of the France Under-21 striker.