Leeds United's Charles De Ketelaere admission underlines July priority for Victor Orta

Keep fighting was the pillar of Leeds United history which leant itself most closely to the fight for survival last season and it seems that rallying cry counts off the pitch too. Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta will not admit defeat in their fight for Charles De Ketelaere, despite the odds being increasingly stacked against them.

The triangle between Leeds, the Belgian and AC Milan has been common knowledge all summer. The endgame seems to be nearing as the Italian giants and Club Brugge finally got down to brass tacks in Belgium today.

The 21-year-old’s interest in Milan has never been in doubt, but the one facet of the deal Orta has been clinging onto is the possibility of the clubs failing to agree on a deal. The money is there for Leeds, they have confidence in striking a deal with De Ketelaere’s employer, but the one carrot they cannot wield is Champions League exposure.

Everything Jesse Marsch said on Leeds United transfer plans, Charles De Ketelaere & squad excitement

Understandably, a route to the top table of European football with the Italian champions in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums has its draws. Marsch was realistic when he spoke about De Ketelaere publicly for the first time on Wednesday.

While Leeds do expect him to shut them out, they are not prepared to give in easily and admit defeat. As so many transfer deals have shown in the past (Michael Cuisance and Daniel James), it isn’t done until it’s done.

“The striker one, it’s been well-documented De Ketelaere was a goal of ours and it’s not finished yet with him,” said Marsch. “We’ve also moved on to some other targets, trying to figure out which would be the best fit if, in the end, which is what we believe, he will not be available.”

De Ketelaere