AC Milan forward Charles De Ketelaere has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Aston Villa.
Last summer, Milan won the hotly-contested race to sign the Belgium international from Club Brugge, a consequence of the player's 14 goals and seven assists in the league during 2021-22.
However, the €35m arrival failed to justify his price tag, enduring a disastrous season in terms of numbers with just one assist coming in 40 games in all competitions.
Possessing a contract until 2027, the 22-year-old is currently in line to spend a second campaign at San Siro, but Milan's business in recent weeks has cast doubt over that.
Christian Pulisic will sign from Chelsea, effectively as a replacement for Brahim Diaz, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has already arrived from Stamford Bridge.
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Loftus-Cheek is hopeful of being used in a more attack-minded position than at Chelsea, something that could influence De Ketelaere's game time under Stefano Pioli.
Nevertheless, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa are willing to hand De Ketelaere a way out of Milan and into the Premier League.
The versatile attacker turned down such opportunities 12 months ago, but a chance to revive his career may prove appealing as he bids to keep himself in the national team setup.
Villa are said to be willing to pay in the region of €25m (£21.4m) in an effort to tempt Milan into an sale, although last season's Champions League semi-finalists are angling for €30m (£25.6m).
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Given Villa's ambition under Unai Emery, they could opt to go that high if the Spaniard indicates that he wishes to add De Ketelaere to his ranks.
The West Midlands outfit, who will participate in the Europa Conference League playoffs next month, are not short of options in the final third, yet it remains to be seen whether some of the current competition to Ollie Watkins will be sold.
That said, De Ketelaere's ability to play in a number of positions may encourage Emery to push for a deal to be completed as Villa prepare for the possibility of an enhanced schedule.
The report adds that Milan's need to balance the books may lead to them being prepared to cash in on De Ketelaere, the player who is arguably the most sellable asset.
Darren Plant
