Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have seemingly made cash offers for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Tuttosport, cited by MondoBiancoNero.com.
The Lowdown: Palace after a midfielder
Patrick Vieira has had a tough start to life as Palace boss and is yet to see his side score in three competitive games.
The Eagles board want to bring in two forwards and a midfielder before the deadline, with links to Watford’s Will Hughes gathering pace over the weekend.
However, it now seems as if Palace, along with Villa, could be in for McKennie, hailed as ‘intelligent’ last year by Fabio Paratici, now of Spurs.
The Latest: Wednesday report
According to Tuttosport, cited by MondoBiancoNero.com, Juventus would prefer cash for McKennie, with Tottenham and Paratici looking at swap deals.
The report then claims that cash is an 'element offered by less famous clubs such as Crystal Palace and Aston Villa', possibly hinting that the two clubs have actually launched bids for the USA international, although that has not been confirmed by any English sources.
The Verdict: Biggest signing of the summer?
Fabrizio Romano has suggested it would take an “important bid” of more than €25/30m for the 5 foot 8 midfielder, so Palace may need to make the midfielder their most expensive signing of the summer - surpassing the £21m move for Marc Guehi earlier in the window.
It could be worth it though, especially with McKennie at the peak of his powers with a career-high £22.5m Transfermarkt valuation.
He can also play as a central, defensive or right-midfielder, so would bring plenty of versatility to Vieira’s midfield options, adding depth and quality while killing multiple birds with one stone.
However, it seems as if Palace may have to outbid Villa, which could be an issue, especially as Dean Smith’s side have already spent £95m this summer.