Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Weston McKennie, according to Kristian Dyer.
As per the journalist, a source has told him that the Tyneside club are one to watch in the pursuit of the FC Schalke 04 ace, but the German team ideally do not want to sell him in this summer transfer window.
However, they may be forced to due to financial constraints, as several other Premier League sides other than the Magpies as well as various clubs from the Bundesliga also hold strong interest in securing his signature.
Schalke apparently value him at $30 million, which is the equivalent of around £23.1 million.
Hearing from a source that one club to watch this summer with @WMckennie is Newcastle.
Schalke does not want to move the #USMNT star but due to financial constraints might be forced to. Several #EPL & Bundesliga sides w/ strong interest.
Evaluation from Schalke is $30 million.
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) July 28, 2020
Indeed, McKennie could be a shrewd addition at St. James’ Park, as he can play in a variety of different roles on the pitch, and is also an established international player with the United States of America, according to Transfermarkt.
It is also apparently the 21-year old’s ‘dream’ to play in the English top flight, which could help the chances of the Toon in signing him.
Comparing the stats of the central midfield player in the 2019/20 Bundesliga season to the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in England’s highest division in the last campaign, McKennie averaged the most interceptions, blocks and dribbles per league game, while also achieving the highest pass accuracy (via Whoscored).
Would McKennie start for Newcastle?
Yes
No
Yes, the leagues are different, but his stats show that he could have all of the necessary qualities to succeed in England.
However, NUFC will have to match the valuation of Schalke to stand any chance of signing him.
Geordies, would McKennie be a good signing? Comment below!
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