Leeds: ‘Exceptional’ £34.5m target could offer Bamford ‘support’ at Elland Road

Leeds United target Charles De Ketelaere could ‘offer a bit more support’ to star striker Patrick Bamford, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Jesse Marsch is expected to strengthen his attacking option this summer, especially as Raphinha is the subject of intense interest from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.

The Athletic’s reliable correspondent Phil Hay recently reported that Leeds ‘are pursuing’ De Ketelaere of Club Bruges and view him as a secondary striker or a false nine.

However, enticing the talented 21-year-old to Elland Road may prove to be a difficult task as the newly crowned Serie A champions AC Milan are also believed to be interested in him.

Belgian journalist Alexandre Braeckman has claimed that Leedsare set to table a proposal worth up to €30 million (£25.8m), while Bruges have set an asking price of €40m (£34.5m).

The west Yorkshire outfit are also believed to be keen on De Ketelaere’s teammate Noa Lang, and the possibility of a double swoop for the attacking duo remains a realistic option.

With Raphinha destined to depart Leeds following two successful seasons, the likes of Lang, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Kent are reportedly being lined up as his replacement.

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And Crook believes that De Ketelaere is being targeted to ease the goalscoring burden on Bamford, who missed the majority of 2021/22 through injury.

He told GiveMeSport: “Clearly, if they lose Raphinha, they will need to bring in a winger. And as for De Ketelaere, I think he would be coming in just to try and offer a bit more support to Patrick Bamford.”

De Ketelaere enjoyed the most productive campaign of his short career last time out, registering 18 goals