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Weston McKennie: Fabrizio Romano talks up Leeds transfer as Brenden Aaronson link gives Orta an advantage

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie

Leeds United have learned what sort of fee Juventus are demanding for Weston McKennie, with a trusted reporter talking up the Whites’ prospects of securing his signing.

The Whites have acted fast to strengthen their squad already this month. With Jesse Marsch’s side only narrowly clear of the relegation places, the Whites have added both Maximilian Wober and Georginio Rutter to their squad.

Wober has already made a telling impact, producing a Man of the Match display as Leeds shut out Brentford in Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

Rutter will also soon have a role to play with the club-record signing providing another option up front.

However, in an ideal world Leeds would also like to strengthen their midfield. Popular star Mateusz Klich has departed Elland Road after nearly five years to sign for MLS side DC United.

And his departure leaves a sizeable hole in the Leeds squad given the Pole had featured in every Premier League game this season prior to his exit.

The Whites have been linked with Angers star Azzedine Ounahi following his excellent World Cup with Morocco. Napoli are also keen, though, and do appear to be in the driving seat.

However, in the last 24 hours, Leeds are also being strongly linked with a move for Weston McKennie.

With a strong American connection already at the club, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims Leeds have opened talks.

The high-profile USMNT star enjoyed an excellent World Cup alongside Leeds star Tyler Adams. And the two men were key figures as the USA reached the last 16, holding England to a goalless draw in the group stages.

However, McKennie appears to be at a crossroads on the club front.

Leeds continue talks with Weston McKennie

Indeed, he has long been linked with a move away from the Serie A giants, where he has struggled to nail down a regular shirt. And with Juventus recently being hit with a 15-point deduction for transfer irregularities, talk he could be offloaded has intensified.

The likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham are among those seemingly keen on the 24-year-old.

However, it is Leeds who now reportedly lead the chase. And according to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Leeds and Juventus over the deal are ongoing.

The trusted reporter also claims there are discussions ongoing between McKennie and Leeds over personal terms.

That’s a scenario backed up by another in the know transfer journalist, Florian Plettenberg.

The Sky Deutschland reporter claims as well as Leeds, Borussia Dortmund are also keen.

And with demand for McKennie high, he can also reveal Juventus are seeking a fee in the region of £26.5m to £35.3m (€30m to €40m).

Brenden Aaronson link could aid Leeds

Furthermore, McKennie also shares an agent with Brenden Aaronson, whom Leeds signed from RB Salzburg over the summer.

That may yet prove advantageous to Leeds with Victor Orta having already dealt with him at length.

Sharing what he knows, Plettenberg told Sky Sports that McKennie is open to leaving the Old Lady.

“We’re hearing the same thing about Weston McKennie and the possibility of him going to Leeds here in Germany.

“McKennie has the same agent as Brenden Aaronson at Leeds,” he said. “And we’re hearing Juventus have set a price tag of between €30m and €40m because he has previously been linked with Borussia Dortmund.

“He is open to joining another club.”

The capture of McKennie would undoubtedly be a feather in the cap for Leeds. They brought in Marc Roca and Adams over the summer following the sale of Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City. And while both have performed really well, Leeds do lack quality cover in reserve.

The capture of McKennie will certainly offer them that. And while there remains some way to go before a deal is agreed, the fact that talks are ongoing will give Leeds belief they can pull off the signing.

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