Weston McKennie of the U.S. during training
Leeds United have made an opening bid to Juventus for midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Midfield search
The Whites appear to be on the hunt for a marquee midfield addition before Tuesday’s deadline and now have McKennie in their sights following speculation of a move for Angers’ Azzedine Ounahi.
Elland Road officials appear to have already spoken to the USA international, with personal terms reportedly agreed. There is still some work to do before the 24-year-old can join up fellow countrymen Jesse Marsch, Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson in Yorkshire, but an offer has now been made.
The Latest: McKennie offer
Romano took to Twitter on Wednesday night to share an update on Leeds and McKennie.
The transfer expert revealed that an opening bid of €28m (£24.6m) has been made by the Whites, but Juventus are holding out for a fee closer to €35m (£30.8m).
The Verdict: Big money…
Leeds have already splashed the cash this month, spending an initial €40m (£35.2m) on Max Wober and Georginio Rutter. A move for the latter was a club record, so it’ll be interesting to see if they are willing to pay big once again and match Juventus’ demands for McKennie.
There appears to be a €7m (£6.2m) difference at this moment in time, so Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers could go back in with a meet-in-the-middle offer of around €31.5m (£27.7m).
Should the club match Juventus’ €35m asking price, it could break an Elland Road record for the second time this month.
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