Everton make contact with AC Milan over signing of Charles De Ketelaere
Everton have made contact with AC Milan about the potential signing of Charles De Ketelaere this summer, according to journalist Daniel Speranza.
The Toffees are keen to add a new striker to their ranks this summer and reportedly have money to spend after informing Almeria that they are interested in triggering the release clause of El Bilal Toure.
But another option has now come to light as they made contact with Serie A giants Milan over the signing of their young Belgian forward, after he struggled in his debut campaign in Italy.
“After West Ham and Crystal Palace, Everton have also conducted a poll for Charles De Ketelaere in the last few hours,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (3 July).
“The Milan is firm on its requests: about €30million (£25.7m) are needed. Reflections in progress by the English clubs.”
Talented
Charles De Ketelaere was one of the hottest properties in Europe last season when he was being targeted for a transfer away from Club Brugge.
Leeds were linked heavily but it was AC Milan who ended up getting a deal done, but he really struggled to adapt to their style of play and failed to score a single goal in 40 appearances for the club.
But his talent is still there and a team that is built more towards his strengths would no doubt see the fruits of his quality, although whether a Sean Dyche team is that is yet to be seen.
He’s a tricky playmaker with a great eye for goal and is capable of playing across the forward line, but his lack of physicality means Dyche’s expectations of him may be limited.
Splashing over £25m on a player who is not suited to the current manager’s style and has had a poor season seems like a bad decision, but Everton love making those in the transfer market so it can’t be entirely ruled out at this point.
In other Everton news, Man City defender that Vincent Kompany loves is on Dyche’s radar for a Goodison Park move.