Aston Villa are ready to meet Juventus’ demands for midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Corriere dello Sport, cited by Sports Witness.
The Lowdown: McKennie profiled
McKennie, a USA international, is a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive role or on the right-hand side.
He made his loan move to Juventus from Schalke permanent this summer in a deal worth £18.45m.
McKennie, described as a ‘leader’ by David Wagner, has made 46 appearances for the Italian giants and has turned out in a remarkable eight separate positions during his career.
The Latest: Villa bid
According to Corriere dello Sport, cited by Sports Witness, Villa are ready to satisfy Juventus’ €30m (£25.7m) valuation for McKennie.
The report added that McKennie ‘did not accept’ a move to West Ham and also ‘doesn’t like’ the sound of a Villa Park switch.
However, they finish their story by saying that might change before the end of the month, so a deal could be one to keep a close eye on.
The Verdict: Avoid
If McKennie doesn’t like the sound of a Villa Park switch, then Johan Lange and co should end Villa’s interest straight away.
The club have managed to lure the likes of Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey to the Midlands this summer, so if McKennie isn’t keen, perhaps Villa should look elsewhere.
The report claims that McKennie might have a change of heart in the final days, but it sounds as if he wants a move to Tottenham, so Villa shouldn’t wait around and play second best.
In other news: Aston Villa source: Talks opened for ‘brilliant’ ace to leave; Smith already given his blessing.