Leeds United step up Tyler Adams and Charles de Ketelaere pursuits

The Athletic and the YEP have respectively reported the intensifying of Leeds United’s ongoing transfer plans.

With Kalvin Phillips on his way to Manchester City and Raphinha on his way out too, The Whites have a big job on their hands in replacing their two best players.

Firstly, Phil Hay reports that Leeds are pursuing the services of Belgium and Club Bruges youngster, Charles de Ketelaere. The 21-year-old is a highly-touted and versatile attacking talent, primarily operating as a false nine, with his stellar 2021/22 campaign bringing 18 goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances across several competitions, including The Champions League.

He also has 8 caps and one goal for Belgium to sit alongside three Belgian league titles and a solitary Belgian Super Cup victory on his mantlepiece. de Ketelaere could be available for around £35m, but Leeds face stiff competition from Italian champions, AC Milan.

The Whites are also aiming for the signing of a winger, with PSV’s Cody Gakpo the biggest link so far, plus a replacement for Kalvin Phillips in midfield, with Marc Roca already through the door and Darko Gyabi not too far behind.

The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Tyler Adams is seemingly the top of three midfielder targets, with Leeds in talks with the American international. It seems as though Adams will be available this summer and would be a more affordable option than the likes of Mo Camara and RB Salzburg.

Adams is primarily a defensive midfielder but has also featured at both right-back and the right side of midfield for RB Leipzig since being signed by Jesse Marsch in 2019. The midfielder completed 1.1 tackles per game this past season while demonstrating a strong passing ability, completing 87.2% of his passes in 36 appearances last season.

Who would you like to see Leeds chase after this summer? Let us know on Twitter @ThruItAllLUFC.