£33million asking price for Everton target Charles De Ketelaere
Everton and Rafael Benitez’s pursuit of Club Brugge attacker Charles De Ketelaere has been given a target with the Belgian club setting his price.
The reigning Belgian Jupiler Pro League champions have set a £33million asking price for the 20-year-old, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Everton’s keenness in the Belgian international was first reported by Calcio Mercato as the Toffees’ were named alongside West Ham United as the English clubs in for the player.
It isn’t just the Hammers who Everton must fight off for the 20-year-old though, both AC Milan and Napoli want to bring De Ketelaere to Italy with the prospect of Champions League football a real possibility for both clubs.
And even though West Ham are far ahead of Everton in the Premier League at the moment, the Merseyside club could be his best bet if he has his heart set on a move to England.
The Hammers’ attacking talent has been firing on all cylinders this season and their injuries in defence could see them look to bolster the backline instead in January.
This could rule the London club out of the race for De Ketelaere but Everton’s need for an attacking midfielder is paramount.
Already in this January window, the club has been linked to a host of attacking midfielders including former Liverpool fan-favourite Philippe Coutinho [Sport in Spain] and ex-Toffee Ross Barkley [TeamTalk].
De Ketelaere would provide a huge presence in the Everton midfield at six foot three inches and he could form a formidable partnership up front with returning striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin should he choose Merseyside as his next destination.
£33million is a lot to spend on a 20-year-old who is relatively unproven outside of Belgium but it could be the move that Benitez has to make to revive his Everton career.
In other Everton news, this Toffees defender has spoken out about vaccinations at the club.