Everton have initiated discussions with Juventus regarding the acquisition of midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Tuttosport.
The Italian news outlet reports that the USA international is not part of Thiago Motta’s plans for the upcoming season. McKennie, however, is not interested in moving to MLS or Turkey, preferring a top European league.
Everton are interested in the 25-year-old, with the potential sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa expected to facilitate this move. Juventus are asking for a fee between £12.6 million and £16.8 million.
Central midfield is currently a strong area for Sean Dyche’s Everton, with players like Onana, Idrissa Gueye, James Garner, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tim Iroegbunam, and potentially Dele Alli. However, Onana’s imminent departure [Fabrizio Romano, 13 July] will create a vacancy that McKennie could fill effectively, fitting into Dyche’s playing style.
McKennie would likely return to the Premier League with something to prove after an underwhelming loan spell at Leeds United, which could serve as additional motivation.
With significant funds coming into the club, Everton have the opportunity to invest in squad improvements, making the sale of Onana more manageable.
Although McKennie might not be a universally popular choice due to his previous Premier League stint, if Dyche believes he is the right fit, securing him at the right price would be a sensible move.
