Leeds United aren’t planning to sign Weston McKennie permanently this summer amid links with a move to Aston Villa.
That’s according to 90Min, who claim that Leeds are currently minded to send McKennie back to Juventus.
It’s suggested that Leeds don’t fancy paying their €33million (£29million) option to buy McKennie this summer.
Fabrizio Romano made it clear in February that Leeds have an option to buy McKennie and not an obligation.
The American international joined under compatriot Jesse Marsch on deadline day, penning a loan deal until the end of the season.
However, Marsch was sacked just about a week later, meaning McKennie must now convince new boss Javi Gracia.
The 24-year-old did play the full 90 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, filling in for USA teammate Tyler Adams.
Yet ti seems that Leeds just haven’t seen enough to convince them that £29million is a good deal for McKennie this summer.
Aston Villa have a chance to land Weston McKennie
McKennie is bound to attract interest from elsewhere too with Aston Villa understood to be interested.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport reported last week that Villa are very keen on a summer move for McKennie.
Unai Emery is claimed to be a big fan of McKennie and if Leeds don’t want him, Villa are willing to swoop in.
Emery may well believe that McKennie can compete with the likes of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey moving forward.
Villa would be wise to try and haggle Juve down from £29million if they do move for the American this summer.
Branded ‘relentless’ by former US Under-20’s coach Tab Ramos, McKennie does have quality as a box-to-box midfielder.
There are still a number of games to go and Leeds could yet change their minds on McKennie, but with Marsch gone and noises suggesting a permanent move is unlikely, Villa may well have a chance to secure him after all.
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