Beren Cross has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Charles De Ketelaere.

What's the talk?

In a recent Q&A on Leeds Live, the journalist suggested that, despite the Club Brugge forward being heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks, with AC Milan being able to offer the 21-year-old Champions League football next season, as well as a huge salary, Victor Orta will have his work cut out if he is to land the Belgium international this summer.

In response to a question concerning Leeds' interest in both De Ketelaere and Mohamed Camara, Cross said: "It's understood Leeds do like them both, but neither will be easy.

"De Ketelaere is wanted by a host of top European clubs, the foremost of which is AC Milan. The Serie A champions will have Champions League football as well as an eye-watering salary to offer the Belgian, which will understandably make it tough for Leeds. The Whites will be pinning a lot on the exposure the Premier League provides."

Orta must act

Considering just how much potential De Ketelaere undoubtedly possesses, the argument that Orta must do everything in his power to beat Milan to the €30m (£26m) signing of the 21-year-old this summer is a rather easy one to make.

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Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated talent was in remarkable form for Alfred Schreuder's side, scoring 14 goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics saw the £17k-per-week attacker - who can operate from central and attacking midfield, as well as on either flank and up front - average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him not only as Brugge's fourth-best performer in the division but also as the 13th-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, with Leeds rather desperately in need of a new centre-forward ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign - proven by the club's 20 fewer league goals scored than in 2020/21 as a result of Patrick Bamford's multiple injury setbacks - it is clear to see just how crucial an addition De Ketelaere would be for the Whites this summer - leading us to believe that Orta must pay the attacker whatever it takes to tempt him to Elland Road ahead of Milan.

AND in other news: Orta can seal "very exciting" deal as Leeds plot bid for "lightening quick" talent