Aston Villa’s pursuit of Weston McKennie has gone quiet, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: McKennie interest

McKennie has been hotly linked with an exit from Juventus, with Premier League outfits touted as potential destinations.

But according to Corriere dello Sport, the American midfielder has previously rejected a move to Villa with the hope of a bigger team coming in for him.

The article reports that interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund is the calibre of side the 24-year-old is holding out for.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Speaking on CBS Sports, Romano also claimed another problem in the deal is Juventus’ situation regarding penalties imposed on them amid their false accounting investigation and their alleged financial irregularities.

He said: “I think it's [Juventus' transfer plans] not changing a lot because, of course, it’s shocking news for Juventus, but they already knew that the situation in general at the club was complicated and this is why they decided not to activate any transfers for this January transfer window.

“The only possibility was for Weston McKennie to find a new chance, a new chapter, maybe in England, but then it was just a normal call with Aston Villa, nothing else.

“So let’s see if something happens in the next days, but at the moment, it is really quiet.”

The Verdict: Possible alternatives

Emery’s side shouldn’t feel disheartened over failing to bring McKennie in, with five wins from seven games under the Spaniard seeing them move away from any potential bother at the wrong end of the table, and are now just five points off fifth place following their win over Southampton.

Although, midfield strengthening could be of importance in the remainder of the window, with the setup deployed in the 1-0 win at St Mary's being reliant on central midfielders as Emery predominantly teetered between a diamond or 4-4-2 of late.

As alternatives to the American go, Matteo Guendouzi has been heavily touted with a move to Villa Park, although that could also prove tricky with Marseille unwilling to sell him (via Express & Star).

Villa will want to avoid a situation where they’re forced into a potential panic-buy scenario as the window goes on - especially with Emery’s revolution in the Midlands beginning well.