By Liam Thomas

28th Jan, 2023 | 6:10pm

Leeds United want to finalise Weston McKennie transfer before Monday

Leeds United want to finalise the transfer deal for Weston McKennie from Juventus before Monday, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs shared that both permanent and loan options had been discussed over the past few days and the clubs are still trying to decide on a set structure.

The journalist confessed that Juventus still want over £26million for McKennie regardless of whatever the deal type may end up being.

“Leeds still hoping to finalise Weston McKennie over the weekend,” said Jacobs on Twitter. (28 January, 8:58 AM)

“Both loan and permanent options discussed over last few days as clubs try and agree a structure. Although some consensus over guaranteed fee, Juve want over €30m package regardless of deal type.”

Problems?

Have Leeds United hit some stumbling blocks in their pursuit of McKennie here? It’s unlikely, but Juventus are playing a tough game at the negotiations table.

It seems they want to get as much cash as possible for their midfield maestro, something which is fair enough considering his pedigree and potential ceiling.

Leeds United being an English club and playing in the Premier League isn’t helping matters in this one either, every foreign club is starting to raise transfer fees when clubs from England are involved.

Just look at Marseille’s move for rumoured Leeds United target Azzedine Ounahi and the cut-price deal they managed to get him for.

Unfortunately, this is just how the transfer market works at the moment and it won’t be changing anytime soon as the Premier League receives even more investment.

Let’s just hope things don’t get too silly here, £26m seems like a fair price to pay for McKennie right now but anything north of £30m would be pushing the boat a bit.

In other Leeds United news, visit our live transfer blog for around-the-clock updates straight from Elland Road.