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Newcastle United’s prospects of landing the prized signing of upcoming Belgium talent Charles de Ketelaere appear to have taken a serious nosedive following strong criticism about life in the city from an international teammate.

The Club Brugge talent is one of European football’s most in-demand prospects, having risen to stardom this season. De Ketelaere has 17 goals and nine assists this season, his tally arriving in just 41 games. That figure means he has a goal involvement every 1.5 appearances for Brugge this season.

Indeed, he is part of another strong wave of emerging talent in Belgium. While their so-called Golden Generation are yet to win a trophy to show for their abilities, the new era coming through looks likely to at least keep them towards the summit of the FIFA World rankings.

As such, the 21-year-old has this season been handed a call-up into Roberto Martinez’s squad. He has two caps to his name so far, one of those coming from the start. And he looks well poised to add to that tally this week. He’s part of the Red Devils squad for the friendlies with Republic of Ireland and Bukina Faso.

Given his rapid rise, he has, understandably, attracted plenty of interest from a number of suitors.

Leicester are reportedly at the front of that pecking order. To that end, a report has claimed Brendan Rodgers has made De Ketelaere a priority signing for the Foxes this summer.

There is interest from Italy too, with Napoli also among his suitors.

However, the name of Newcastle United has also been mentioned as suitors recently as well. The Magpies are cash-rich following their takeover from a Saudi-Arabian consortium earlier this season.

And with a major summer spending spree expected, De Ketelaere’s name has recently been mentioned as a target.

Reports have suggested he is free to leave Brugge this summer if any clubs meets their £33m asking price.

However, the 21-year-old has opened up on his future and suggests a move to Newcastle is out the question.

Citing a conversation with former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, he appears to welcome a possible move to England.

However, it seems Tyneside is one destination not in his thinking.

“If it can be done now, why not?” De Ketelaere told Het Laatste Nieuws when asked about his future.

“The Premier League is the highest you can go. That intensity too. In England, you become a better player. But I want to leave everything open.

“My girlfriend, Jozefien, must be able to continue her studies in dentistry in a good way.”

Recalling a conversation with Mignolet, he added: “Mignolet once told me that there’s not much to do in Newcastle. And that in winter, it’s dark as early as four o’clock. When you then hear [Napoli star] Dries Mertens…”

Brugge keeper Mignolet played 101 times for Sunderland between 2010 to 2013, so knows the area well. He departed the Black Cats in June 2013, signing for Liverpool in a £9m deal.

De Ketelaere advised to make Premier League move

With De Keterlaere’s future very much a hot topic of debate in debate, Dutch football pundit Jan Mulder told Sport Magazine he thinks the player will be well suited to the Premier League.

“Charles will, of course, continue his career abroad. I am curious which choice he will make,” he said.

“Spain and Italy are not that interesting anymore; England has the most money. But above all: you can develop the best there.”

Mulder also feels De Ketelaere compares to a former Holland striker, well known to English audiences.

“Robin van Persie went from Feyenoord to Arsenal at the time, and six months later, he had become twice as good,” he said.

READ MORE: Record price set for De Ketelaere move in summer 2022

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