Newcastle United and Everton could be set to battle it out to sign Weston McKennie in the upcoming summer transfer window, as Bild reported that two other clubs in the Premier League with them that would be interested in the services of the FC Schalke 04 ace.
As per the outlet, the sporting director of the German outfit Jochen Schneider would be willing to accept a transfer offer of around 25 million euros, which equates to roughly £22.6 million.
According to an interview with Goal last May, it is McKennie’s ‘dream’ to play in the top flight, meaning that Steve Bruce’s team could pounce if they offer a suitable fee, but they could be competing with Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The 21-year old had arguably impressed in the Bundesliga in the 2019/20 season, where he had won 5.1 duels per game from 28 league appearances, and also averaged 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.3 clearances per match (via Sofascore).
If you compare those stats to the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in England’s highest division so far in this campaign, McKennie averaged the most interceptions, as he also made the most blocks and a higher pass success rate (per Whoscored).
Yes, the Bundesliga and the Premier League are different, but if the American international could replicate his form in England, then it may be a wise idea for the Magpies to snap up the central midfield player as another option in the middle of the park, especially if Matty Longstaff makes his proposed move to Udinese in the summer.
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