Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to sign Weston McKennie, with Juventus open to the idea of a sale to bring in funds.
According to Fichajes, Weston McKennie could leave Juventus in the January transfer window, with Tottenham keen on signing the American midfielder. New manager Antonio Conte is interested in bringing the midfielder to north London, and Fabio Paratici might prove useful in negotiations.
Weston McKennie might have struggled earlier this season with Massimiliano Allegri shifting to a more pragmatic approach upon being appointed as the new Juventus boss. In the process, the Italian manager seemed to prefer a double midfield pivot of Manuel Locatelli and Rodrigo Bentancur, leaving the American as a bench option.
However, in recent weeks, McKennie has come into favour for Allegri, who has ensured some positive results for the Serie A giants. While Juventus’s approach remains to attack on the counter, the American midfielder proves useful when the team sits back and absorbs pressure.
Off the field, in the backrooms of the Turin club, things are still a bit tense. As Allegri oversees a gradual squad building, the board seems to have limited financial support to offer the manager new signings. The most obvious solution would be the sale of existing players to help fund transfers.
Juventus are willing to part ways with a few players, including McKennie, who they believe will fetch a considerable fee. The report suggests the the Serie A heavyweights could be ready to accept offers of around €20 million, which is the same amount they paid this season to make his loan move from Schalke a permanent one.
Juventus are suspected of demanding more from suitors if they decide to put him on the market. Aston Villa are reportedly chasing McKennie, and under new manager Steven Gerrard he could certainly prove a good signing.
However, it is a battle between West Ham United and Tottenham that is catching the eye. The midfielder features on the radars of both the Premier League clubs, although it seems like Tottenham might have a slight edge over their London rivals.
The arrival of Antonio Conte at the helm has instantly made Spurs an attractive destination for players, specifically from Serie A. The Italian’s recent exploits with Inter Milan is fresh in the minds of players, as many want to pursue their careers under the eccentric Tottenham boss.
Conte aims to take the club out of their current slump, which has pinned them in ninth place on the table. While the fans expect Conte to improve the performances of current players, the manager himself wants some backing in the winter transfer market. McKennie is liked by the manager, who wants Fabio Paratici to lead negotiations.
An experience in the Premier League would certain appease McKennie towards Tottenham, should an offer arrive. Moreover, the American midfielder will have someone like Conte and Paratici to ease him into the club and the new league. However, since Juventus only signed the midfielder permanently this summer, it makes no sense for him to leave Turin as soon as January.
