Aston Villa are plotting a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to The Mirror, as cited by Birmingham Live.
The Lowdown: Summer interest
Villa made a number of big-money moves in the recent transfer window, but they failed to add to their central midfield ranks. They were linked with a late swoop for McKennie, but as we now know, a transfer never materialised.
It appears as if Villa still have the USA international on their radar, though, with McKennie capable of playing as a defensive or central midfielder.
The Latest: Recent report
Birmingham Live cited The Mirror’s claim in a story on Sunday morning, claiming that Villa manager Dean Smith is plotting a move for McKennie.
An offer of £25m could be enough to strike a deal, whereas The Sun suggested that the Italian giants could be open to an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.
The Verdict: Buendia all over?
The 23-year-old, who has the same agency as Villa defender Tyrone Mings, has also been linked with Arsenal. Villa pipped Mikel Arteta’s side to a move for Emiliano Buendia in the summer, so the same could happen in the New Year with McKennie.
Hopefully that turns out to be the case, with Villa having just four senior defensive or central midfielders to choose from as well as youngsters Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Another senior option in that role could be a shrewd move, with Smith regularly selecting three central midfielders in different formations.
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