Italian newspaper Tutto Sport claim that Juventus could send on-loan Leeds United star Weston McKennie to Aston Villa in the summer if Leeds do not sanction a permanent move – as part of a swap deal to bring in Emi Martinez.
McKennie, 24, joined Leeds on loan in January – and has since played eight times, starting six. But his performances have hardly been eye-catching, even if he has formed a decent partnership with Tyler Adams. Now, he will be crucial.
That is because Adams has picked up a hamstring injury in Leeds training. It will see Adams miss the game against Wolves this weekend, and has not been listed in the USA squad for the upcoming international break later this month.
So, McKennie is about to become the heartbeat of the Leeds midfield. But, it might be that he only played for Leeds a few more times. The Mail report that his permanent clause would cost a huge £31m, if Leeds sign him this summer.
Juventus could send Leeds star McKennie to Villa in Martinez swap deal
Relegation ends any chance of a permanent deal for McKennie. It is even unclear with Jesse Marsch now gone, if Leeds will sanction the permanent option if we stay up. Now, Tutto Sport claim McKennie could end up at rivals Aston Villa.
The report claims that USA star McKennie has a fan in Unai Emery. The ex-Arsenal gaffer is ‘crazy’ about McKennie. Meanwhile, Juventus want to sign Villa’s World Cup winner Emi Martinez. The report says Juve could try a swap deal.
Indeed, in order to tempt Villa and Emery – who is a big fan of McKennie – into selling Martinez, then Juve could offer Villa the chance to land the on-loan Leeds man. But, Leeds could just stay up and sign McKennie, ending any chance.
