Leeds have reportedly joined Tottenham in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie ahead of January. But Fabrizio Romano says he has been “told” that he will not be leaving Juventus next month.
McKennie, 23, has been constantly linked with a move to the Premier League – ever since the United States international joined Juventus. He has impressed with the Old Lady, joining from Schalke in July 2020.
Initially on loan, that move was made permanent last summer. In his 18 months with the Italian giants, he has played 63 times under both Andrea Pirlo and then Max Allegri, this season.
The Sun report that Leeds have joined the race to sign USA international McKennie – with a fee of £20million said to be enough. CalcioMercato say Tottenham are keen – but Romano has given more insight.
Speaking to CBS Sports, Romano said: “Rumours about Leeds this week, Tottenham previously – and this is true. But from what I’m told, Juventus’ plan is not to sell McKennie in January. He is an important player with Juventus.
“When he is fit, he is always starting. It would be complicated to sign McKennie – Juve won’t accept loan proposals. Leeds are having a difficult season and Juve are fighting for the Champions League. He will stay at Juventus.”
Romano on McKennie: Shame, ideal for Leeds and Tottenham
Leeds need depth in the middle of the park, a midfielder that can cope with Marcelo Bielsa’s demands. Similarly, Antonio Conte likes defensive-minded terriers in midfield – like Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojjberg.
So, McKennie would have been ideal. Young, cheap, an international, plenty of stamina and versatile – he can play as an attacking midfielder or on the right of the defence. A shame, then, that Romano say he is staying.
