An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's interest in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie...

What's the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Magpies are one of the Premier League clubs who have scouted the American, who is set to be available for around £20m.

He tweeted: "Weston McKennie won't seriously consider his future until after the World Cup. The Premier League is of huge appeal to him and links with Spurs are long-standing. Fabio Paratici spearheaded McKennie's move to Juventus from Schalke and met with him last January to explore a move."

The reporter added: "Several Premier League clubs have scouted McKennie, including Newcastle, Leeds, Everton and Arsenal. But none have advanced interest yet. He's a player who could well move to England in January but right now there is nothing advanced from any potential Premier League suitors."

Big Sean Longstaff upgrade

Sean Longstaff has emerged as a regular under Eddie Howe in the Premier League so far this season, although PIF could now land an upgrade on the academy graduate by swooping to sign McKennie - who was once hailed as a "rock" by his former Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo - in January.

In the current Premier League campaign, the English midfielder has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.71 across 12 appearances for the Magpies.

He has been dribbled past 1.1 times per game and lost 63% of his individual duels in the division, which shows that players are finding it relatively easy to outmuscle and outrun him.

Last term, the midfielder averaged a rating of 6.64 across 24 outings in the Premier League as he was dribbled past 1.7 times per game and lost 52% of his battles.

Meanwhile, McKennnie has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.85 or higher in each of the last three Serie A seasons, including the current campaign.

He also averaged a rating of 6.83 in the 2019/20 Bundesliga for Schalke 04, which shows that he has consistently delivered performances at a higher level than Longstaff has managed in the Premier League for Newcastle.

In the Italian top flight this term, the USA international has only been dribbled past 0.3 times per match and has created three 'big chances' for his teammates.

The 24-year-old, who David Wagner once dubbed "outstanding", has shown that he can perform at a higher standard than the Magpies midfielder, and that is why PIF could land a big upgrade on Longstaff by signing McKennie.