Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara’s trip to Belgium didn’t produce anything concrete for Charles De Ketelaere, but it has reportedly confirmed Milan’s strategy now.
The Rossoneri sent key directors Maldini and Massara to Bruges for a long meeting with the Club Brugge executives, hoping to iron out a deal for the 21-year-old Belgian talent, or at least set clear parameters. Milan have had their sights set on De Ketelaere for a while now but have been facing tough competition from Leeds United.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have decided that the talks for De Ketelaere will not extend beyond this week. Should a deal not be agreed by then, the Rossoneri would look to focus on other targets instead, only having a few weeks until the start of the Serie A season.
If Club Brugge accept Milan’s offer, De Ketelaere would leave Belgium for the Lombardy capital, with the paperwork ready to go. Milan have a concrete offer worth €32m including add-ons for the 21-year-old, and they could raise the figures a little to try and push the deal over the line, although a substantial increase won’t be made.