Premier League club Leeds United are pushing to complete a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie before the end of the January transfer window, with the United States international ready to make the switch to England after agreeing on terms with the Whites.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds are keen to bring in the former Schalke 04 midfielder and would be willing to submit an offer totalling €28 million through upfront costs and bonuses.
However, Juventus are holding out for €35m, and whilst they would be ready to sell McKennie, are reluctant to lower their asking price just yet, despite being under pressure after being docked 15 points for capital gains fraud last week.
McKennie agrees terms with Leeds
It is thought that the two clubs are now seeking a compromise, and this could come in the form of a loan with an obligation to buy, which would allow Leeds to move closer to Juventus‘ demands in the summer.
The Bianconeri are wary of the structure of such an arrangement though, and do not want a transfer to be dependent on appearances over the remainder of the season.
McKennie has already agreed on personal terms with Leeds and would be ready to join international teammates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road, and work under compatriot Jesse Marsch.
Juventus looking for new wing-back
Should the 25-year-old depart, Juventus would use the funds to strengthen their flanks, with coach Massimiliano Allegri looking for competition for right wing-back Juan Cuadrado.
Indeed, McKennie has been operating as a wider midfielder to cover for Cuadrado in recent weeks, and Juventus have little need for another central midfielder.
The Bianconeri are ready to invest McKennie‘s fee in Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda or Spezia‘s Emil Holm, particularly as Cuadrado and fellow full-back Alex Sandro are into the final years of their respective contracts.
Similarly, Juventus are continuing to monitor AS Roma rebel Rick Karsdorp after his falling out with coach Jose Mourinho, despite difficulties in meeting the Giallorossi’s asking price.
Alternatively, the Vecchia Signora could instead hold onto any transfer fee for McKennie until the summer, and push for a deal to sign Atalanta‘s Joakim Maehle.
