Leeds United fear Weston McKinnie hijack despite broad consensus reached with Juventus
Leeds United “fear” another club hijacking their move for Weston McKennie and want a deal “wrapped up urgently”, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Whites have been pushing to sign the Juventus midfielder before the end of the window, after a move for Azzedine Ounahi floundered, and Jesse Marsch expects him to work well with international teammate Tyler Adams.
The club are closing in on an agreement, with Jacobs reporting that they have reached a “broad consensus” over the guaranteed money and are in advanced talks over the total package, but are moving as quickly as possible to avoid another side stealing the midfielder before the deadline.
Reporting via Twitter late on Friday morning the CBS journalist wrote: “Leeds in advanced discussions on Weston McKennie. McKennie has spoken to Jesse Marsch, who sees him operating effectively with Tyler Adams.
“Broad consensus over guaranteed fee & talks continue over total package. As reported, Juve want over €30m. McKennie is Leeds’ top priority.
“Leeds know they need to move fast. Although no other Premier League team has attempted a serious hijack to date, Leeds do fear another club comes in, hence why they want a deal wrapped up urgently.”
Looking over their shoulder
Arsenal have been linked with the USMNT man and reports in Italy suggest they have a sizeable bid of their own, while Fabrizio Romano reported on 23 January talks between his agents and both Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
The Whites have clearly got the buy-in of the player so remain firmly in pole position to complete the move, but the end of the transfer window can see anything happen.
The American connection with Marsch, Adams, Brenden Aaronson, and part-owners the San Francisco 49ers, probably do give the club an edge in itself for attracting another US international.
But if the money isn’t right between the clubs then that all means very little, although it seems very unlikely that Juventus are in position to actually keep the player given their current issues.
Likely to miss out on European football next season they are looking to shed players, so it will be a matter of another club offering more.
And given that Bournemouth are now rivalling Italian champions AC Milan for Leeds-linked Nicolo Zaniolo [Sky Sports, 27 January] it is clear that virtually any Premier League club is capable of becoming a threat.
In other Leeds United news, an increased bid has seen the club put themselves in position to close a major deal on Monday.