Leeds United have reportedly reached an agreement with Juventus to sign midfielder Weston McKennie.
The West Yorkshire side are in the hunt for a new centre-midfielder before the January transfer window shuts next Tuesday, and USA international McKennie has been identified by compatriot Jesse Marsch as his top target.
The 24-year-old joined Juventus on an initial loan deal from Schalke in the summer of 2020 before making his move permanent for around €20.5m (£18m) a year later.
McKennie featured 29 times during an injury-hit campaign for the Italian giants last season and has since started 18 of his 21 appearances this campaign, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
However, after Juve were deducted 15 points in Serie A last week over past transfer dealings, the Turin-based club are now seeking to sell a number of players to help balance their books, and McKennie is believed to be one name that they are prepared to let go.
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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have agreed to sign McKennie from Juventus on an initial loan deal worth €1.2m (£1m) and they have an option to make the move permanent for €33m (£28.9m) plus add-ons in the summer.
Romano adds that Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani "unlocked the deal" with Juventus chiefs after holding positive talks on Friday night, and the transfer has now entered the "final stages".
McKennie is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Leeds and he is keen to link up with Marsch and play in the Premier League.
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Saturday that McKennie will miss Sunday's Serie A fixture at home against Monza as the club have agreed to sell the midfielder.
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"There's an agreement ready between clubs to sell McKennie. He won't be available tomorrow," Allegri told reporters.
McKennie is poised to become Leeds' third signing of the January window after the arrivals of defender Maximilian Wober and forward Georginio Rutter, the latter of whom joining for a club-record fee.
Leeds have delved into the American market since the arrival of Marsch, with Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams both joining the club over the summer on permanent deals.
McKennie could form a midfield partnership with international teammate Adams at Elland Road, while the likes of Marc Roca, Adam Forshaw, Sam Greenwood and Darko Gyabi are other midfield options at Marsch's disposal.
Oliver Thomas
