Dean Jones has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Charles De Ketelaere.

What's the latest?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that, while AC Milan appear to be in pole position for the Club Brugge KV centre-forward this summer, should the Serie A side fail to agree terms with the Belgian outfit for the 21-year-old's transfer, Victor Orta is ready and willing to complete a deal for the Belgium international.

Furthermore, in recent comments cited by Leeds Live, Jesse Marsch confirmed that Whites are indeed interested in De Ketelaere's signing this summer, as well as suggesting that Leeds' pursuit of the youngster is "not finished yet" - despite Milan's status as the favourites for the Brugge academy graduate.

Speaking about the Whites' interest in the eight-cap international, Jones said: "We still have to assume that Milan get him, they are the firm favourites, but Leeds are ready. If they don't sign him, then Leeds are ready to get a deal done.

"We're talking probably in the region of £30 million; Leeds have got that to spend, they know the terms of his contract, they are willing to pay him exactly what he wants. So, this deal is ready to be signed off. If the Milan deal collapses, I think Leeds will get him."

Supporters will love Jones' update

While, in truth, the De Ketelaere saga must be getting a little bit tiresome for the Elland Road faithful, considering just how exciting a prospect the forward evidently is, Jones' latest update will nevertheless be news supporters of the Whites will love to hear.

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Indeed, based solely on his 496 Champions League minutes in 2021/22, FBref rank the £27m-rated talent in the top 3% of forwards in Europe's big five leagues and European competitions for xA per 90, as well as the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 15% for progressive passes received, the top 16% for passes attempted and the top 19% for shot-creating actions over past 12 months.

The £17k-per-week attacker is also clearly effective when tracking back, with FBref also ranking the 21-year-old in the top 5% for pressures and the top 9% for tackles per 90 over the last 365 days - with these metrics being made all the more impressive by the fact that Brugge were up against Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig in the group stage of Europe's most prestigious club competition.

Furthermore, De Ketelaere was also in scintillating form over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, bagging 14 goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates - with these returns seeing the forward average a quite sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as the 13th-best player in the top flight of Belgian football last time out.

As such, considering the sheer amount of ability and potential the youngster clearly possesses, should Milan indeed fail to agree terms with Brugge for the transfer of De Ketelaere this summer, Jones' claim that Orta remains waiting patiently in the wings to seal a move of his own is undoubtedly fantastic for everyone involved with the Whites.

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