While Leeds appear to be the ones who are fighting the most with Milan when it comes to Charles De Ketelaere, they aren’t the only club in England to be interested.
That’s courtesy of Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Southampton, who have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far, at least compared to their Yorkshire-based counterparts.
The purchases of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Gavin Bazunu for a combined £21m or so is all that’s happened to date involving money, while Mateusz Lis arrived on a free to compensate for the departures of Harry Lewis and Fraser Forster.
That’s why it’s easy to believe the Saints might have a bit more money in the bank to spend, especially if they make a sale or two, and Charles De Ketelaere would certainly be a good addition.
There is competition, though, with both Leeds and Milan pushing for the Belgian, who has been the subject of a few bids from both clubs.
The Serie A side have reportedly had a first bid of €20m+ turned down, while the Elland Road side were recently reported as having made a €30m+ offer of their own, which the Italians would struggle to match.
This is somewhat corroborated by Gazzetta dello Sport, who explain that Milan aren’t quite done yet, as they consider De Ketelaere a player of ‘great value and perspective’, and they are ‘expected to invest at least €30m’ for him, which they hope will be enough to convince Club Brugge.
The Serie A side also have their fingers crossed it’ll be sufficient to ‘overcome the competition of the English’, as ‘Southampton have been added to Leeds’, who can offer both Brugge a ‘rich offer’ as well as a ‘super salary’ to the player.
What Milan have, however, is their shirt, which Gazzetta believe is an advantage, as ‘certain details are priceless’.
They also have Champions League football, which neither Southampton nor their Premier League rivals have to offer, so it remains to be seen what comes from all this.
Either way, the Saints will need to fork out at least €30m for the Belgian, as well as see off tough competition.
