Reports: Leeds United nearing Weston McKennie acquisition

01/28/2023 10:20 AM

Leeds United already has the services of two U.S. men’s national team players in its squad this season and now the Yorkshire club is reportedly nearing the acquisition of a third during the January Transfer Window. Weston McKennie is nearing a move to Elland Road on a loan deal, which would include an option for Leeds United to buy him permanently from Juventus, CBS Sports reported Saturday. Nottingham Forest is also considering McKennie as a midfield option this month, The Athletic reported. The 24-year-old has already been ruled out of Juventus’ Serie A clash with Monza on Sunday, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed in his pre-match press conference. “McKennie won’t be available tomorrow because he’s at the center of a negotiation,” Allegri said. “I think the club has already found an agreement with its new team and therefore he won’t be there tomorrow.” McKennie has been on the radar of several English Premier League clubs over the past year, including Tottenham, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Southampton. Leeds United has been linked with McKennie over the past few weeks, and the American would help solidify an already-talented midfield in Jesse Marsch’s squad. McKennie originally joined Juventus on loan in September 2020 before the Serie A club purchased him outright from Schalke in July 2021. The USMNT midfielder has totaled 96 appearances in Italy, scoring 13 goals and registering five assists. He has made 21 combined appearances this season for the Old Lady, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Leeds United sits 15th in the English Premier League standings, only one point from the relegation zone. The Lilywhites have failed to win any of their last six league matches, despite advancing two rounds in the FA Cup.