£29m star has ‘spoken to Marsch’ over move to Elland Road

Leeds United have been boosted in their pursuit of Weston McKennie as the Juventus star is now ‘happy’ to complete a switch to Elland Road after holding talks with head coach Jesse Marsch, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.

The Whites have already broken their club-record transfer fee by sealing a £36million deal for Georginio Rutter this month, but further reinforcements could be welcomed to Yorkshire ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

Leeds transfer news – Weston McKennie

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are on the verge of sealing McKennie’s arrival after owner Andrea Radrizzani reached an agreement with Juventus.

The respected Italian journalist suggests the United States international will join the Whites on loan for the remainder of the season, while the agreement includes an option to make the move permanent for £29million, plus add-ons.

McKennie has indicated his desire to head to the Premier League and Leeds made their move after conversations were held with Marsch.

But Leeds are not the central midfielder’s only admirers as transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on his situation at Juventus.

Nottingham Forest also considered hijacking McKennie’s move to Leeds, but it appears he is destined for Elland Road after flying to England with his representatives in order to sign the contract and undergo medical tests.

What has Ben Jacobs said about McKennie?

Jacobs understands that McKennie is keen to complete a move to Leeds after holding talks with fellow countryman Marsch.

The reliable journalist believes it is increasingly likely that the former Schalke man will be on the Whites’ books by the time the transfer deadline passes.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “McKennie is happy to join Leeds and has spoken to Jesse Marsch.

“He works, effectively, with Tyler Adams in that midfield for the US Men’s National Team. This one’s heading in a positive direction.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What would McKennie add to Leeds’ squad?

According to FBref, McKennie has averaged more goals, assists and clearances per 90 minutes than current Leeds midfielder Marc Roca this season.

That suggests the 26-year-old could be an upgrade on the Spaniard, who joined in a £10million move from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich last summer.

McKennie has made 96 appearances for current employers Juventus, finding the back of the net 13 times in the process.

He also shone during the United States’ run to the knockout stages of the World Cup, with WhoScored statistics showing he averaged 1.3 shots per game.

That emphasises McKennie would make Leeds more dangerous in the final third of the pitch, while Sofascore data shows he has made 0.9 tackles and as many clearances per Serie A outing this season, highlighting that he also contributes defensively and would be an astute signing.

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