Aston Villa are now in talks with Juventus over a deal to sign Tottenham and Liverpool target Weston McKennie.
What’s the story?
Well, just days after beating Spurs in north London, Unai Emery could now pip Antonio Conte – and Jürgen Klopp – to the signing of the United States international, according to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Carlo Laudisa.
Speaking to Numero Diez, Laudisa said: “(Juventus doing business) will depend on the eventual exit of McKennie, the only player for sale. There are contacts with the Premier League, with Aston Villa in particular and we’ll see.”
It comes after Tuttosport claimed that Tottenham were leading the race to sign McKennie, who Fabio Paratici – Director of Football at Spurs – actually signed from Schalke 04 during his time at Juventus.
Calciomercato believe the Italian giants want £25m for the American.
Amid something of a crisis for Liverpool in the midfield department, the Reds are said to be considering a loan move for McKennie – according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Juventus so far this season, scoring three goals while also providing one assist.
McKennie also made four starts for the United States at the World Cup in Qatar, as his country reached the Round of 16 stage before a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands sent them home.
Liverpool must outmuscle Aston Villa & Tottenham in McKennie race
In our view, Liverpool would be foolish to ignore the chance to sign McKennie for just £25m.
The January window is a difficult market to operate in, but with Juventus actively trying to sell the energetic American, and Klopp in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, Liverpool must strike a deal.
Liverpool’s midfield department is wafer thin, and is severely lacking balance – that was particularly evident in Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, where the Bees were able to counter attack through the middle with ease.
If Klopp ignores the opportunity to sign a young, experienced midfielder for just £25m this month, he can have no complaints about his lack of options.
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