According to Calciomercato (via TEAMtalk), Tottenham are interested in signing Weston McKennie from Juventus this summer.
The Lowdown: Spurs need improvement
Things have not gone Spurs’ way so far this season despite winning their first three Premier League matches 1-0 (Sky Sports).
They have already been beaten three times in the league, conceding three goals apiece against Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea in emphatic defeats.
The Latest: Spurs eye McKennie
As per this latest report from Calciomercato (via TEAMtalk), Spurs are interested in signing McKennie from Juventus.
The Serie A outfit are said to be looking for €20m (£17m) for his signature and would like to sell him due to his off-field behaviour.
The Verdict: Controversial but talented
Previously labelled as “extraordinary” by former Schalke 04 sporting director Christian Heidel, McKennie is clearly a player with plenty of talent. He already has 25 caps for the USA at the age of just 23 and currently plies his trade with Italian giants Juventus.
He became an important player under Andrea Pirlo last season, making 34 league appearances under the former Italy international (Transfermarkt), and has even been labelled as the heir to Arturo Vidal (Daily Mail).
He can play in any midfield position and has a decent goal return, netting five for Juventus last season and seven in his 25 international appearances. For a Spurs team lacking goals from midfield, such returns could be a godsend.
Off the field, however, he has been embroiled in controversy. During the previous international break, he was sent home from USA duty after bringing an unauthorised person into the camp and disregarding coronavirus protocols in the process (ESPN), while his off-field behaviour has not pleased his current employers in Turin.
However, while he may have questions over his attitude, McKennie is a player who potentially has a big future ahead of him, and £17m could prove to be a bargain.
In other news, Jose Mourinho’s stance on this Tottenham midfielder has been praised.