Report: 21-year-old has asked to be left out of key fixture today, Leeds have offered £30m deal

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Leeds United want Charles De Ketelaere but the Club Brugge ace has pulled himself out of this afternoon’s game against Genk.

The Whites are focusing on signing a striker as they look to reinvest some of the cash from Raphinha’s big-money move to Barcelona.

Patrick Bamford is still a quality striker but his injury problems last season mean Leeds have to invest in another goalscorer.

Paris Saint-Germain talent Arnaud Kalimuendo continues to be linked but Leeds do have other targets in mind.

Leeds United want Charles De Ketelaere

A key name of late has been De Ketelaere, with Leeds somewhat falling in love with the Club Brugge talent.

Leeds have left a £30million offer on the table for De Ketelaere for weeks now, seemingly hoping that their bid will be successful in the end.

De Ketelaere’s versatility to play out wide, up front, behind a striker and even in midfield has left Leeds desperate to sign him.

Having hit 18 goals and 10 assists last season whilst possessing quick feet at a giant 6ft 3in tall, who wouldn’t love De Ketelaere and his huge potential?

The problem for Leeds has been rival interest from Serie A champions AC Milan, though their talks in Belgium last week didn’t go to plan.

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Jesse Marsch has suggested that Leeds have not given up hope just yet but they know how difficult a move will be this summer.

Club Brugge take on Genk today and De Ketelaere will not be in action as speculation continues over his future.

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad report that De Ketelaere has asked not to play just to avoid any possible injury ahead of a potential exit.

De Ketelaere is hoping to secure a transfer very soon and asked to be left out despite new boss Carl Hoefkens – formerly of Stoke City – suggesting that he was counting on the 21-year-old.

It’s clear that everyone at Club Brugge is expecting a deal to be done soon, but with Milan’s move stalling, Leeds still have a real chance at a deal here.

Photo by David Catry/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images
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