Pogba injury ruins sweeping Conte plan for Weston McKennie transfer, as Paratici rues Tottenham twist

Tottenham are reportedly keen on Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie again this summer, but Paul Pogba’s knee injury has made the transfer highly unlikely.

Spurs have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs this summer, making six signings already. The additions all over the pitch are a bold statement from manager Antonio Conte following last season’s top-four Premier League finish.

But reports have claimed that Tottenham – although now focusing more on outgoings – have not stopped on the incomings front.

Despite signing Djed Spence and Ivan Perisic at full-back, Conte reportedly wants a third wing-back signing at Tottenham.

Midfield also reportedly remains an area of concern after the recent arrivals of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. As such, the Daily Mail reports that Spurs believe McKennie ticks all those boxes.

The newspaper claims that Conte – a lover of versatile players – has identified several areas where the USA international would fit in.

Not only could he play in a range of midfield systems and at wing-back, Conte also feels he could push McKennie into a centre-back role.

However, a move for the 23-year-old now looks off the cards because of Pogba’s knee injury.

Pogba injury dashes Tottenham, McKennie hopes

Juve have re-signed the former Manchester United star as a free agent. They were ready to see him hit the heights that prompted United to re-sign him in 2016 for £89million.

However, a torn meniscus in his knee has raised major fears at Juventus of a lengthy lay-off. Pogba is subsequently going to see a knee specialist to determine his fate.

It is a cruel twist for the Serie A club, but one that has had a knock-on effect on the transfer plans for Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici.

The Daily Mail adds that Juve were willing to sell McKennie for €40million (£34million). They are aware that while the 23-year-old is a key player, his value has risen significantly and a major profit is there for the taking.

They would then have targeted Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, also 23, who is also a Tottenham target.

But now that Pogba could be out for several weeks, Juventus have reined in plans to let McKennie go.

Spurs not stopping in transfer hunt

Conte knows what it takes to win the Premier League having done it with Chelsea in 2017 and he is stopping at nothing to get Tottenham to the same level.

Two midfielders in in the space of six months and the desire for more shows the Italian’s ambition.

However, Tottenham may now have to settle for Bissouma and Bentancur as their new midfield options.

That is, unless Spurs can prise Italy international Zaniolo away from Roma.

Tottenham could certainly have another trick up their sleeve this summer, amid the desire to balance the books with sales.