For as long as I can remember, in every transfer window, Aston Villa has been linked with a move for USA midfielder, Weston McKennie. We haven’t quite made it to the summer window, yet, the rumours have started early this time.
The USA international joined Premier League rivals, Leeds United on a 6-month loan deal in January and they have the option to buy the midfielder on a permanent deal for a reported £ 30 million.
Despite impressing in the Premier League, Tuttosport are reporting that Leeds is unlikely to make the deal permanent with fellow countryman and former manager Jesse Marsch no longer at Elland Road.
The midfielder has made 7 appearances while on loan at Leeds and is said to be a favourite with the home faithful but with the clubs Premier League status hanging in the balance, the club may not see the future of McKennie at the top of their priority list.
Javi Garcia was named as the man to replace Marsch as manager but the official statement read that the former Watford boss was on a ‘flexible contract’, whatever that means. But it would suggest to me a short-term deal with the club still uncertain on who their next boss will be.
Emery Interest
According to the same article, Unai Emery is a huge fan of McKennie and he has made no secret that he would like more options in the middle of the park. A recent injury to Boubacar Kamara has highlighted how light Villa are in the middle of the park.
Emery has made no secret about wanting to return to European competitions saying he would rather manage in the competition than simply watch it from afar on TV.
Villa are said to have money to spend this summer and I am sure the American midfielder is just the first of many players that will be linked with the club between now and when the Premier League transfer window opens.
Despite what the report states, If Leeds survives I am sure they will also be keen to make his deal permanent, so I can’t see there being much in this one but this is football and we all know by now, anything can happen.
