Leeds United could turn their attention to Michy Batshuayi after missing out on fellow Belgium international Charles De Ketelaere…
What’s the word?
That’s according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, who delivered an update on the 28-year-old’s future amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Leeds are also monitoring the situation,” he revealed to EFC Daily after he said:
“Everton have explored Michy Batshuayi but it’s more likely at this stage that he ends up at Wolves, probably on a loan. Wolves have moved fast and are now in direct talks with Chelsea.
Would Batshuayi be a good signing for Leeds?
YES!
NO!
“There is an urgency at their end due to Raul Jimenez’s injury. Everton ideally wanted a permanent deal but no offer has been made to date. Everton will now have to move quickly if they are to enter in the race because Wolves are not hanging around.”
Marsch needs him
It’s clear that director of football Victor Orta will have to act quickly if he’s to lure that elusive striker to Elland Road before the transfer deadline on September 1st.
Recently, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani revealed just how close the club came to landing De Ketelaere. He told The Athletic:
“We moved fast and we closed the deals, the only one where we did everything perfect including the agreement with Brugge, we had a deal with the club but not with the player. It was Charles De Ketelaere, he was the icing on the cake and a special player, but unfortunately, we didn’t make it.”
His fellow countryman, Batshuayi, would be an intriguing alternative, especially as any new striker is likely to be a backup to Patrick Bamford but that’s what Marsch desperately needs.
In his absence through injury last season, Leeds suffered in attack with young striker Joe Gelhardt and diminutive winger Dan James left to plug the gaping void up top.
Batshuayi would be a worthy candidate to play second fiddle, given his experience in the Premier League and across Europe.
Last season, the 28-year-old provided 14 goals and five assists from 33 league appearances for Besiktas. Meanwhile, overall for Chelsea, the bit-part Belgian has delivered 25 goals across 77 games at the Blues.
In the past, Batshuayi has been lauded as “priceless” by Pat Nevin, whilst his former Dortmund coach Peter Stoger dubbed him a “real goalscorer.”
He could well be inclined to a move to Elland Road, too, given his past with Marcelo Bielsa, whom he once claimed was “crazy.”
With Marsch in need of a new frontman to provide competition and backup to Bamford, perhaps the Chelsea outcast can be a bargain solution, especially if Wolves are eyeing him on a loan deal.
Orta and co must now act if they are to stand a chance in the race for his signature.
AND in other news, Leeds have “definite interest” in £34m goal machine, he’d be a “real coup” for Marsch…