Atalanta are expected to face a late battle from Fulham to sign AC Milan’s Charles De Ketelaere, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

On Thursday, the two Serie A sides reached an agreement on the basis of a loan deal with an option to buy.

In search of a new attacking midfielder, Fulham are particularly focusing on Serie A, where the 22-year-old has been identified as one of their targets.

It’s claimed an offer from Marco Silva’s side is ‘expected in the next few hours’. They are ready to propose a fee of less than €20m, which wouldn’t be taken into consideration at the San Siro, at least initially.The Belgium international wants to continue in Italy, move to Spain or join a top Premier League side. Fulham don’t match his desire which is why the former Club Brugge star is not in favour of joining the London club, at least according to the Italian report.

TMW say Milan have ‘given their word’ to Atalanta, at least for the ‘next 48-72 hours’. It’s now down to the latter and De Ketelaere to sort out any differences.

Atalanta president Antonio Percassi has been dreaming of signing the player. The report says he’ll ‘probably’ do it soon but Fulham will ‘try to get in the way’.

It’ll be ‘very hard’ for the English club because Atalanta are convinced they can close the deal for De Ketelaere.

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FULHAM COULD MAKE LATE MOVE FOR MILAN’S CHARLES DE KETELAERE

While Atalanta are closing in on a move for Milan’s Charles de Ketelaere, Fulham could now make a late dash for the Belgian.

La Dea and the Rossoneri have already agreed terms over a move for the player, whose approval regarding the transfer is expected to arrive soon.

But La Gazzetta dello Sport report that in the meantime, Fulham are threatening Atalanta’s move for the Belgian. With Atalanta and Milan waiting for De Ketelaere to approve the move to La Dea, Fulham have made it clear that they are willing to make an offer to Milan and to the player soon.

The Belgian landed in Milan at dawn yesterday morning, returning from the Rossoneri’s tour in the USA, and immediately had the first contacts with Atalanta and above all, with his entourage. He will now take some time to make a decision about a move to Atalanta, as Fulham ponder a late move for him.