Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the signature of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, as Aston Villa's complex swap deal involving Douglas Luiz encounters a significant hurdle.
Wage demands stall Villa-Juventus negotiations
Last week, Juventus and Aston Villa had reached an agreement that would see the Premier League club receive €20 (£17 million) in cash, along with the services of Douglas Luiz, in exchange for McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior. However, despite Villa's acceptance of the proposal, McKennie's personal terms have proven to be a stumbling block, causing the deal to stall.
The American international's wage demands have reportedly put a spanner in the works, leaving the door open for Tottenham to swoop in and make their move. Football Insider indicates that Spurs have taken advantage of the situation, agreeing to a cut-price fee of £15 million with Juventus for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Weston McKennie's contrasting fortunes
McKennie, whose deal with the Italian heavyweights runs until June 2025, endured a lacklustre loan stint at Leeds United during the 2022-23 campaign. Nevertheless, upon his return to Juventus last summer, he experienced a resurgence in form, displaying his promise and catching the eye of various clubs.
The stalled negotiations between Aston Villa and McKennie have left Juventus increasingly pessimistic about the prospect of signing Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder had agreed to terms with the Italian club, but the deal hinges on McKennie's inclusion.
Juventus may need to explore alternative options to avoid missing out on a crucial midfield signing as they embark on a new era under manager Thiago Motta.
Race against time for Aston Villa
Aston Villa find themselves in a race against time to complete the deal, as they risk falling foul of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules if they fail to do so. The West Midlands club had been highly active in the opening days of the transfer window, aiming to organise several outgoings, with Douglas Luiz's sale to Juventus being the most anticipated.
The failure to secure McKennie's signature could have far-reaching consequences for Villa, as they scramble to find alternative solutions to balance their books and comply with financial regulations.
Tottenham plotting hijack
As Tottenham look to revamp their squad under Ange Postecoglou following a fifth-place finish last season, the acquisition of Weston McKennie could prove to be a shrewd piece of business. The American midfielder's versatility and potential make him an attractive prospect for Spurs, who are keen to bolster their midfield options.
However, with talks ongoing and the situation remaining fluid, it remains to be seen whether McKennie will ultimately end up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or if Aston Villa can find a way to salvage their deal with Juventus.
The coming days will be crucial for all parties involved, as they navigate the complexities of the transfer market and strive to secure the best possible outcomes for their respective clubs.