Southampton are facing competition from Juventus in the race for Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie.
The Saints have been heavily linked with the USA international for several weeks, with reports claiming they were eyeing him up as a replacement for Pierre Emile Hojbjerg.
Indeed a report five days ago from BILD indicated they had ‘launched a new attack’ to sign the midfielder, making a €22m bid to ‘outsmart’ their Premier League rivals for him.
It was felt they had been given a clearer run on the player as Hertha Berlin had dropped their interest after seeing a move fall through over Schalke’s asking price.
However, it appears Southampton now face competition from elsewhere, with Sport 1 reporting that Juventus have ‘suddenly got involved’ in the race for his signature.
It’s also explained that ‘it is no longer a secret’ that McKennie wants to leave the German club, with him even left out of training and only permitted to take part in ‘individual units’ to avoid picking up an injury.
Southampton remain an option for him and were considered his ‘most likely’ destination this summer as they are ‘really hot’ on him.
However, now Juventus have appeared on the scene to provide the Saints with serious competition that they may struggle to best.
While McKennie may be arriving at St Mary’s, Mario Lemina appears to be edging closer to an exit, with Werder Bremen keen on his signature.
Kreiszeitung report that it is ‘no longer a secret’ that the midfielder is on their list of potential targets this summer, but money remains an issue.
Southampton are not interested in loaning out Lemina for another season and would prefer a sale for around €9m.
That, though, is a price that Werder are ‘financially unable’ to match at this moment in time.
