USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie reportedly in talks with Juventus over contract extension

Weston McKennie is in talks with Juventus over a contract extension after months of stalling, links with potential transfers away from the club and a brief period in which his jersey was even removed from the official club shop.

The U.S. international could now renew his deal in Turin, extending his stay under new manager Thiago Motta, ESPN reports.

McKennie has had transfer links to MLS, fellow Serie A teams, English clubs and Bundesliga sides this summer, but the Bianconeri are now set on keeping him.

Ahead of Matchday 1, a thrilling victory over Como, Motta declared that McKennie could be a "useful player" for them this season - and included him on the official match roster. He went as an unused substitute, but it was the first step toward what now appears to be him staying put in Turin.

In that same match against Como, fellow U.S. international Tim Weah scored his first Serie A goal. However, minutes after, he was substituted off at the halftime break with what is being reported as a hamstring injury.

Juventus take on Hellas Verona Aug. 26 on Matchday 2 of the Serie A campaign. McKennie will be searching for his first minutes of the regular season, while looking to sign the extension.