Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Weston McKennie to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that Antonio Conte has explicitly requested the Juventus midfielder's signing this summer, a demand that Fabio Paratici is looking to satisfy.

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However, the report also goes on to state that, prior to picking up a metatarsal injury earlier this season, the 23-year-old had proven himself to be an important part of Massimiliano Allegri's side, something which means the Bianconeri are unlikely to be overly willing to part with the USA international in the off-season.

Conte can axe Winks with McKennie

Considering McKennie's impressive positional versatility, his quite incredible work rate and his effectiveness in the final third, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a move for the central midfielder this summer.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £58m-rated American ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe's big five leagues for non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, as well as the top 17% for shots, the top 17% for non-penalty xG and xA, the top 20% for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 1% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, according to FBref data once again, the £51k-per-week man also ranks in the top 8% of attacking midfielders in Europe's big five leagues for interceptions per 90, in addition to the top 7% for clearances, the top 9% for aerials won, the top 14% for blocks, the top 31% for tackles and the top 33% for pressures over the last year.

These traits have seen McKennie earn considerable praise from a number of his managers, with Andrea Pirlo dubbing the 23-year-old his "rock" in the middle of the park, while David Wagner described the 31-time capped international as both a "leader" and an "outstanding" talent, before the former Schalke boss went on to add:

"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."

As such, with the £91k-per-week Harry Winks - who John Wenham dubbed "terrible" earlier this season - looking as if he could be heading for a move away from north London this summer, it would appear a wise move for Conte to indeed allow the England international to move onto pastures new, before bringing in the much more promising McKennie in his place.

AND in other news: "I can say...": Italian journo drops huge Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be fuming