Leeds United want to change their deal for West Ham target Weston McKennie and it leaves David Moyes no excuse not to act.
Yesterday we reported on Hammers News that there could be new hope for West Ham over World Cup star McKennie after the Leeds bid for the USA international hit problems.
Given the precarious positions of West Ham and Leeds in the Premier League table, any advantage Moyes or Jesse Marsch can gain with new arrivals in the January window could prove decisive.
It came as something of a surprise when Leeds suddenly muscled in on reported longstanding Moyes target McKennie after opening talks with Juventus recently.
It has been widely reported in the past that midfielder McKennie is the man the Hammers want as Declan Rice’s replacement (BeSoccer, Tuttosport, The Times).
So it was a hammer blow when Marsch moved to initiate talks with his fellow American earlier this week and reports stated Leeds were set to sign the all-action midfielder for around £25m with personal terms already agreed.
But then Football Italia and Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reported that Juve wanted £30m and Leeds were refusing to raise their offer.
Interestingly for West Ham, the reports claimed the player remains open to offers from other Premier League clubs.
West Ham fans are seriously concerned at the club’s lack of activity while all around them in the relegation battle are making signings.
Yes the Hammers have brought in Danny Ings, but many feel much more is needed to give West Ham a chance of staying up.
A lack of available funds has been cited as a potential issue for West Ham having spent £170m in the summer. Hammers supporters are growing frustrated seeing some excellent young players being snapped up by rivals such as Leeds, though.
Well now Leeds want to change their deal for West Ham target McKennie and it leaves Moyes no excuse.
Italian transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claims Leeds now want a loan deal for McKennie with an option to buy instead.
And if Juve are open to that kind of deal it simply leaves West Ham and Moyes no excuse not to get involved and try to bring the all-action midfielder to London instead.
“Understand Leeds proposal for Weston McKennie is not permanent transfer – it’d be a loan move with buy clause,” Romano said on Twitter.
“Leeds hope to get it done after green light from the player but there’s still no full agreement with Juventus.”
If Juve wanted £30m – the only way they will agree to a loan is surely if there is an obligation to buy and loan fee which equates to a similar amount.
Money won’t be an issue for West Ham in the summer, especially with the club expected to make around £90m plus from the sale of Rice.
So if McKennie really is the man Moyes wants as Rice’s heir, then West Ham should be all over this deal to try and beat Leeds to his signature.
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