There is new hope for West Ham over a deal for star Weston McKennie as the Leeds United bid hits problems.
Earlier this week Hammers News carried reports that Leeds United had stolen a march on West Ham in the race for USA international McKennie.
The January transfer window could play a major role in the fight for survival with West Ham and Leeds two of eight clubs involved at the wrong end of the table.
Given their precarious positions in the Premier League, any advantage David Moyes or Jesse Marsch can gain with new arrivals could prove decisive.
The Hammers and Whites have been linked with mutual interest in the likes of Terem Moffi and Azzedine Ounahi.
But it came as something of a surprise when Leeds suddenly muscled in on reported longstanding Moyes target McKennie after opening talks with Juventus.
It has been widely reported in the past that midfielder McKennie is the man West Ham want as Declan Rice’s eventual replacement (BeSoccer, Tuttosport, The Times).
So it was a hammer blow for the Hammers when Marsch moved to initiate talks with his fellow American earlier this week. Reports stated Leeds were set to sign the all-action midfielder for around £25m and that personal terms were already agreed with the player.
But it seems there is new hope for West Ham over a deal for star McKennie as the Leeds bid hits problems.
According to reports from Italy overnight, Juve are not satisfied with the Leeds offer and want more money. But the Elland Road club are refusing to budge.
Football Italia and Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla are reporting that Leeds will not raise their offer.
And, interestingly for West Ham, the player – who is reported as having had talks with Marsch – is open to offers from other Premier League clubs.
The sticking point between Leeds and Juve is said to be around £5m with the Old Lady demanding £30m for the man Moyes allegedly wants as his Rice heir.
“Despite a new round of talks, Leeds United have no intention of raising their offer for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie,” Football Italia reports.
“The Old Lady are hoping to pick up around €35m (£30m) for the American and so will wait to see if other offers arrive before this month’s transfer window closes.”
If McKennie really is the man Moyes wants to replace Rice then surely now is the time to pounce?
The Hammers know they are guaranteed around £80m from selling Rice in the summer so £30m is a potential bargain.
And it would give West Ham even more strength in their battle to beat the drop while strengthening the Hammers’ bargaining position over Rice knowing they already have his replacement in the door come the summer window.
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