Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports a huge step forwards in talks between Leeds United and Juventus in a deal for Weston McKennie – claiming the “gap” has been “bridged”, after an initial offer £6m below Juve’s price tag.
McKennie, 24, has emerged as a target for Leeds in the final week of the window. A teammate of Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson for the US. Leeds need a midfielder with Marc Roca’s form up and down. McKennie would be ideal.
On Wednesday evening, McKennie was the subject of an offer believed to be worth £24.6million. But Juventus are said to want a figure in the region of £30.8million. A difference then, of £6million. But Di Marzio states talks were ongoing.
Now, Leeds have upped their offer by £1.5million, to £26.3million. The new offer also includes add-ons and this deal is believed to have bridged the gap. Di Marzio says that an agreement could come on Friday, ahead of a move.
Di Marzio: Leeds bridge the gap in talks with Juventus for McKennie
Leeds are really pushing to get a deal over the line. Last January, Leeds failed to add any players and it saw the Whites come close to relegation. Clearly, the club have learned from their mistakes – signing Max Wober and Georginio Rutter.
With the main issues being another body in attack and a left-back, signing a midfielder to improve strength in depth is the next step. Leeds are now said to have got that deal done – which will delight Leeds fans. It is good value, for him.
McKennie is a player that has more than 40 caps for USA, and is close to 100 appearances for Juventus. At just 24. He is a proper player – and that connection with Adams formed over the years could give Leeds the perfect midfield duo.
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