Report: Juve's McKennie joining Leeds on loan with option to buy

American manager Jesse Marsch is teaming up with compatriot Weston McKennie at Leeds United.

The Premier League side will pay Juventus a €1.2-million loan fee for the midfielder in a deal that includes an option to buy worth €33 million plus add-ons, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer was reportedly brokered after discussions between Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani and Juventus officials on Friday night.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Saturday that talks about a transfer for the United States men's national team star were ongoing, saying, "McKennie will not be available tomorrow because he is at the center of a negotiation.

"I think the club has already found an agreement with his new team, and therefore he won't be (available) tomorrow."

Nottingham Forest emerged as a potential suitor for McKennie, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that the Premier League club considered hijacking Leeds United's move for the 24-year-old, who is under contract at Juve until 2025.

But now it appears it's just a matter of time before Leeds United make McKennie's move official. His arrival at Elland Road will be a welcome boost for Marsch and a team that resides in 15th place after 19 Premier League games.

McKennie has nine goals in 70 Serie A appearances since joining Juventus - initially on loan - from Schalke in 2020.