Report: Conte and Paratici really like ‘dominant’ CL player; Tottenham can sign him for just £17m

Add as preferred source on Google

According to CalcioMercato, Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are big fans of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The American, who started in Juventus’ 4-2 win over Zenit in the Champions League this week, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now. He was constantly in the news over the summer, with Spurs rumoured to have been one of the clubs interested in his services.

No move materialised in the summer and McKennie stayed in Turin. After a difficult start under Max Allegri, he has turned things around at Juventus, but The Old Lady still see him as someone who can be used to raise funds.

That makes him a very attractive option in the January transfer window and Tottenham are reportedly keen.

Tottenham can sign McKennie for £17m

Paratici was the man who signed McKennie from Schalke during his time as Juventus’ sporting director. The report claims that he still remains a big fan, and new Spurs boss Conte is an admirer of the American too.

McKennie checks the boxes Conte usually looks for in a midfielder. The American is strong in the challenge, positionally disciplined without the ball and has a fantastic engine on him which is crucial for the way the new Tottenham manager likes to play.

The January transfer window will be the Italian’s first opportunity to reshape the squad. A midfielder will likely be a priority for Conte and Paratici, and McKennie, who’s available for just £17 million, could well be an option.

TBR View:

£17 million for a player of McKennie’s quality makes signing him a no-brainer. Spurs need someone who will help them out in transition and the Juventus man, alongside someone like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, would be a great addition.

McKennie, labelled as a ‘really big dominant presence‘ by Christian Pulisic,’ is still only 23 as well. That means he’ll only get better as he gains more experience, and under a world-class manager like Conte, he could develop into one of the best in the business in a few years’ time.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham will make an offer for McKennie in the winter window. They will have to consider signing one midfielder or another in January, and as things stand, there aren’t many who offer better value for money than the former Schalke man.