Journalist Florian Plettenberg has been speaking about Leeds United's interest in Weston McKennie live on Sky Sports.
The Lowdown: Midfield looking to be improved
After the departure of Mateusz Klich for D.C. United, it appeared that Leeds were in need of a new midfield body to ensure Jesse Marsch had sufficient depth heading into the second half of the season.
Now it looks as though things are starting to kick into gear with less than a week left of the transfer window, as reports have started to emerge around a potential deal for Juventus' McKennie.
The Italian giants are facing mounting off-field issues which could see McKennie search for a mid-season exit, and given the strong American contingent already at Elland Road, it would likely be an appealing move for the midfielder.
The Latest: McKennie open to joining Leeds
Speaking live on The Transfer Show, German football expert Plettenberg claimed that McKennie is ready for the next step in his career amid Leeds' interest.
He said: "He is a transfer target of Leeds and he is open to joining Leeds, he is open to making the next step - and maybe you know - he has the same agency as Aaronson has and Aaronson is a player of Leeds United.
"We hear a price tag of around €30-40m [that] Juventus is demanding for Weston McKennie."
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The Verdict: Marsch to receive further backing
It would certainly be a major coup for Leeds if they could attract someone who's been playing in the Champions League this season and played every single game for his nation at the World Cup earlier in the winter.
Especially given that Leeds are in the thick of a relegation battle, it would be a statement of intent from the board to lure someone such as McKennie to Elland Road and may well hint at the 49ers edging closer to their takeover of the club by bringing in yet another American.
McKennie has been hailed as 'dangerous' by American legend Clint Dempsey after he netted in the Champions League for Juventus earlier this season, showing he can perform on the big stage, and with Fabrizio Romano claiming personal terms wouldn't be an issue, it's a potentially exciting deal for Leeds.