Andrea Pirlo says he wasn't 'surprised' by Weston McKennie's impressive performances for Juventus during the 2020-21 season.
The Italian legend signed McKennie from FC Schalke on loan in the summer of 2020, and the United States international went onto score six goals in 46 appearances across all competitions during his debut season.
Pirlo, one of the best central midfielders of his generation, was a fan of McKennie, and signed him on a permanent contract in August 2020.
Read more: How Leeds United's midfield line-up could evolve if Weston McKennie signs
“McKennie didn’t surprise me,” Pirlo said at a press conference last season, via Football Italia.
“We had followed him and knew him well. The permanent deal must be a starting point for him. If he thinks he has reached the top, he has made a mistake and is not on the right path.”
McKennie has continued to feature regularly under Massimiliano Allegri but missed three months with injury towards the end of last season.
He has made a further 21 appearances in total this season, but has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds United this month. Juve's board resigned before an investigation into alleged financial irregularities saw them hit with a 15-point deduction.
Therefore, Juventus look set to cash in on McKennie, although Leeds about Juve agreeing to a price they can afford, with the Serie A giants reportedly valuing him at over £20 million, according to The Athletic,
The report adds that a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season could be one way of making the move more affordable.
If Leeds sign the 24-year-old, then McKennie will become third United States international to join the Whites under Jesse Marsch, after Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.
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