'I would argue': Leeds are still closer to signing ‘fantastic’ player over any other player currently - journalist

By Ben Evans

Charles de Ketelaere is the player Leeds are closest to signing, LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross has said.

In a Q&A with Leeds fans, Cross said that Leeds have agreed a fee for De Ketelaere, and they aren’t particularly close to doing any other business.

Before Leeds fans get too excited though, even the prospects of landing the Belgian international are starting to look like a distant possibility.

AC Milan are closing in on De Ketelaere now, meaning Leeds may come close to signing him but simply not close enough.

He said, when asked who Leeds were nearest to signing: “I would argue De Ketelaere is the closest because of the agreeable bid which has gone in, but I can’t be sure of bids which have gone in for other strikers.”

Jesse Marsch would like to add another forward to his squad, with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier touted as other possible incomings.

However, Cross is now less optimistic that De Ketelaere will be the forward that ends up at Leeds.

“De Ketelaere hope does seem to be fading by the day. The Milan thing is dragging on, but I do think he’ll end up there.

“As with most things in football, players usually get what they want. I think De Ketelaere ultimately gets that move to Milan.”

Leeds still looking for signings, but patience will be key

It’s hard to judge how successful a transfer window has been before the season has kicked off, but Leeds fans will be happy with the number of first team players that have arrived so far.

Leeds were forced to use a number of promising but inexperienced young players last season in a campaign that nearly saw the Whites return to the Championship.

And the first team is now unlikely to change too much before the season starts, but any more incomings might take time to materialise: “Assuming no first-team players leave between now and deadline day, I would expect a striker and a left-back to come in”.

“Do not be surprised if it’s after the start of the season.”

There’s still plenty of intrigue ahead in this transfer window for Leeds fans, but odds the ‘fantastic’ de Ketelaere being Leeds’ next signing seem to be dwindling.

That being said, if Leeds do secure the signing of a new striker and a left-back, there is the possibility that the go into the new season with a stronger squad than last time around, which is a great achievement considering the departures of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.