Links between Leeds United and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie have re-emerged ahead of a potential move in the January window.
The American connection is stronger than ever at Elland Road, as the San Francisco 49ers continue to work behind the scenes with Andrea Radrizzani, the Whites also have an American in Jesse Marsch at the helm and he saw two further Americans bolster his ranks this summer in Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
Journalist Simon Phillips has reported that Leeds are one of the sides rivalling Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea for the 24-year-old midfielder, along with a host of other clubs.
“Many clubs are monitoring the 24-year-old though. Chelsea join Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leeds United, and Aston Villa in being interested in the versatile midfielder.”
Who would the winners and losers be if Victor Orta opted to sign the American in the coming window, we take a look at one of each here:
Winner: Darko Gyabi
The young midfielder signed from Manchester City this summer and has failed to break into Leeds’ first-team so far.
Gyabi has been magnificent for Leeds’ Under-21 side this season, combining fantastic close control and spacial awareness with his huge frame and physicality.
Do you expect Gyabi to feature in Leeds' first-team this season?
Yes
No
However, a move for another midfielder would restrict him to even fewer chances of breaking into the matchday squads, it could also be the best thing for him.
The 18-year-old has already proved to be above the level of Premier League 2 Division 2 football, and McKennie signing may bring about a loan move to the Championship to prove his talents at a higher level than anything Leeds can currently offer.
Loser: Adam Forshaw
Forshaw is seen as the primary back-up to Leeds’ excellent central-midfield partnership of Marc Roca and Tyler Adams.
If the American were to join the ranks at Leeds, one would imagine it would be to provide further competition to this area in the double-pivot as part of a midfield rotation and strength in depth.
If this happened, it would relegate Forshaw further down the pecking order, and with the 31-year-old into the last year of his contract, it could spell the end of his Leeds career.
A much loved member of the dressing room, it would be a shame if this happened, but the Whites are clearly looking at younger players with sell-on value and upside financially, which McKennie would provide, and Forshaw doesn’t.