‘Very happy’ – Hope of second chance at Juventus for Weston McKennie as fellow USMNT star Tim Weah gets ‘very useful’ billing from Massimiliano Allegri

• Midfielder loaned out to Leeds last season
• American forward snapped up from Lille
• Both have figured over the summer

WHAT HAPPENED? The United States international appeared destined to head through the exits in Turin this summer when returning from a disappointing loan spell at Leeds that delivered relegation out of the Premier League. Juve have left themselves open to offers for the 24-year-old, but none have been tabled and he has formed part of pre-season plans alongside fellow USMNT star Tim Weah – following his arrival in Italy from Lille.

WHAT THEY SAID: McKennie and Weah both figured in a 3-1 friendly win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, with Allegri impressed by what he has seen from the American duo. He told reporters: “McKennie had a good game today and I’m very happy. Weah was a bit more tired, but he is a guy who has good qualities and will be very useful for the team.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: McKennie and Weah were handed starting berths against Real, with the latter getting on the scoresheet as he makes an immediate impression with new employers.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? It may be that McKennie is offloaded before the summer window slams shut – having been linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund – but for now he continues to work on a contract with Juve that is due to run until 2025.