Antonio Conte agrees with Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici on £29m January transfer plan
Antonio Conte: In profile
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Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is reportedly on board with the idea of making a January move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. The USA international is a player sporting director Fabio Paratici had already targeted in the summer, and the deal could finally be pushed over the line in the next few weeks.
Spurs fans are holding out high hopes for Conte’s tenure in north London, given the reputation he has built during his managerial career.
Results thus far have been unspectacular – one win and one draw – but the January transfer window could be the platform to get Tottenham moving up the table.
When the Lilywhites managed to lure in Conte, it was reportedly under the promise that he would have funds to spend on players.
That is just as well, with McKennie valued at around £29million.
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According to CalcioMercato, both Spurs and West Ham have already asked for information on McKennie.
It has been a rollercoaster stint in Italy for the youngster, falling in and out of favour, although he has lately put together a positive run of games.
The all-round midfielder has got two Serie A goals to his name this campaign, becoming known for his tireless running and solid passing.
With the Hammers also supposedly registering an interest, Spurs will have to hold out hope that the idea of working under Conte is as alluring to McKennie as it would be to others.
For sporting director Fabio Paratici, Conte’s admiration for the 23-year-old will come as validation for his summer interest in the Juventus star.
Paratici was at the helm in Turin when McKennie arrived from Schalke, and during the summer he was reportedly tempted to go one better and bring him to north London too.
Although that never materialised, the January window is just weeks away, and with both manager and transfer chief on the same page, McKennie could soon be heading to the Premier League.
As Conte holds out for his first emphatic result as Tottenham boss, they are set to host Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
On Friday, the Italian spoke of Harry Kane’s upturn in form while with the England set-up, and how that could help the team build momentum domestically.
“I am happy for Harry because he scored with England. We are talking about a world class striker. He is an important player for us,” he said.
“To score is a boost for him. And I’m very happy because I have the opportunity to know him much more.
“I understood that he’s a top player in many aspects. He wants to train very, very hard and improve.”
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