Leeds United launch a £26m bid for highly-rated Brugge forward Charles de Ketelaere as Jesse Marsch seeks a replacement for Raphinha... but AC Milan will rival them for his signature

• Leeds United will send a £26m bid to Club Brugge for the 21-year-old midfielder
• The Belgian is tipped to become the next superstar to emerge from the country
• Charles de Ketelaere usually plays as a number 10 but can play on either wing
• AC Milan are expected to rival Leeds for the talented left-footed playmaker

Leeds United are launching a £26million bid for exciting Bruges forward Charles de Ketelaere.

The 21-year-old is tipped to become the next big talent to emerge from Belgium and Leeds chief European scout Gaby Ruiz has watched him extensively.

De Ketelaere is 6ft 3ins tall, quick and left-footed. He prefers playing behind the striker but can play on either wing also and has an eye for goal, scoring 15 for club and country last season.

Leeds want him to give their attack a new dimension as they look to sell Raphinha and they view de Ketelaere as a player of great potential who can only increase in value.

Sources in Belgium say they are not alone in their pursuit however, with AC Milan holding a strong interest. 

Leeds will hope though that the lure of the Premier League can help persuade the youngster to link up with coach Jesse Marsch.

De Ketelaere can provide versatility for Leeds who have also discussed Wolves' Adama Traore and Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven to fill the void that will be left by Raphinha's expected sale. 

They want to add another midfielder, a left-back and an experienced goalkeeper with former Watford keeper Ben Foster one name under consideration.

Kalvin Phillips is joining Manchester City for £45m and Leeds are buying 18-year-old Darko Gyabi from City for £5m but he is seen as one for the future.

Red Bull Leipzig's USA international midfielder Tyler Adams has been considered but they have other options too.

Jesse Marsch has already returned to Leeds' Thorp Arch training ground as he looks to welcome some of his squad back on Monday with internationals due back on July 4.