Chelsea have locked horns with Tottenham in the race to sign Juventus star Weston McKennie, according to reports. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now.
After impressing for the United States in Qatar, the American has only further courted interest in his services. He played a pivotal role in each of his nation's fixtures at the World Cup, guiding Gregg Berhalter's side to the round of 16.
But, despite McKennie's best efforts, Netherland stopped the USA in their tracks with a comprehensive performance. According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, he caught Graham Potter's attention and the Blues have now ready to rival Spurs for his signature.
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Chelsea are said to be in the market for a new midfielder amid the increasingly uncertain futures of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, who both see their deals at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season. The duo will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with foreign clubs in January over respective free transfers in the summer.
The Italy international's agent - Joao Santos - has said that his client is focused on securing a long-term future in west London despite reports claiming otherwise. Meanwhile, with regard to Kante, the France international has suffered an injury-ridden past few months at Chelsea which - naturally - casts doubt as to whether the club will look to keep him on board.
Both are yet to pen extensions, leaving Chelsea with little to no security over their futures. The likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo have been heavily linked with moves to west London lately but McKennie has emerged as the cheaper alternative.
According to Calciomercato, Juventus have set a €30million (£25.8million) price tag on the American, who sees his contract in Turin expire in 2025. The report states that the Old Lady are currently nursing financial issues and, therefore, they may decide to cash in on McKennie.
After the United States' goalless draw with England at the World Cup, Brad Friedel urged Tottenham to bring the Juventus star to N17. Speaking to Online Casino, the former Spurs goalkeeper said: "If the finances work then Tottenham should definitely be in for McKennie.
"He’s the best central midfielder the US has ever had. Against England he showed his quality and I think he’d be a brilliant addition for any big side in Europe."
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