Jacque Talbot has dropped a claim on potential Leeds United summer transfer target Weston McKennie.

What's the word?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, Talbot claimed that he could see Victor Orta making a move for the Juventus central midfielder - whom Leeds were linked with back in January - in the summer transfer window.

However, the journalist then went on to state that RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams is perhaps a more realistic target for the Whites in the coming months.

When asked whether he could envisage Orta making a move for McKennie, Talbot said: "Yeah, I think so. I think there is the link, this sort of contingent that's going on between Leeds United, America and the Bundesliga.

"I think there's Tyler Adams as well. He played under Jesse Marsch last season before he was sacked in November, so that again is that link there. But I think [with] Tyler Adams [there is] probably a bit more of a chance for Leeds. He'd be a good player to get in."

Orta must move for McKennie

While Adams is undoubtedly a player who would fit Jesse Marsch's tactical setup at Elland Road extremely well, considering just how impressive McKennie was for Juventus in 2021/22, the argument that the 23-year-old would be a much better signing than the RB Leipzig midfielder is a relatively easy one to make.

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Indeed, according to FBref data, the £43m-rated USA international ranks in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe's big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 5% for non-penalty xG, the top 14% for shots, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 2% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, the £37k-per-week talent's defensive metrics are also extremely impressive, with FBref also ranking the 34-time capped international in the top 1% of attacking midfielders for clearances per 90, in addition to the top 4% for interceptions, the top 8% for aerial duels won, the top 10% for blocks, the top 16% for tackles and the top 40% for pressures over the past 12 months.

As such, with the player who Stephen Meyer dubbed both "unreal" and "irreplaceable" bettering Adams' returns in almost every aforementioned metric over the course of the last year, and with McKennie reported to be available for £35m this summer - just £1m more than the Leipzig talent's €40m (£34m) release clause - it is clear to see that, should an opportunity arise for the Juventus centrocampista, Orta simply must prioritise a move for McKennie over Adams.

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