Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Weston McKennie ahead of the January transfer window...

What's the word?

According to Calciomercato, the 23-year-old's future at Juventus is all but over for a number of reasons and Spurs are among the teams eyeing his signature.

McKennie has been dismissed from international duty with the USMNT for violating two Covid-19 protocols and it's not the first time he has landed himself in hot water in this regard, having done the same during last season.

There are also concerns over the club's finances and his fit in Massimiliano Allegri's tactical system, so an exit at the turn of the year certainly seems more than likely at this stage.

The Serie A giants would ask for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m), with Premier League rivals Aston Villa also keen on signing him.

January boost

Spurs were first linked to the American during the summer transfer window but evidently, a move did not materialise. This latest update, however, should provide sporting director Fabio Paratici and co with renewed hope that a deal can be struck in the near future.

Given the uncertainty over the future of Tanguy Ndombele, who has now expressed his desire to leave the Lilywhites for a second time since his arrival in the summer of 2019, a swoop for McKennie could be a smart one to make, even despite his controversies.

He's the sort of box-to-box midfielder that the Frenchman should have been in north London.

As per WhoScored, the £22.5m-rated Juventus dynamo has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.5 dribbles and one key pass every 90 minutes since the start of the 2016/17 season.

Indeed, McKennie has been described as "an outstanding talent" by ex-Schalke boss David Wagner, who also added: "In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he's brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga."

Also lauded as a "unique" option by USA coach Gregg Berhalter, the 6-foot powerhouse could hand Nuno Santo everything he's lacking in Ndombele, who has only contributed eight goals and eight assists after a club-record £55m move over two years ago.

After this fresh transfer boost, Paratici and co must launch a bid for McKennie in January.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt cruel double injury blow ahead of Palace clash...