Hertha emerge as front-runners to sign Weston McKennie from Schalke 04
Weston McKennie appears to be nearing a move away from Schalke 04, with Hertha BSC understood to be leading the race for his signature.
Hertha BSC have emerged as leaders in the race for the signature of Schalke 04 midfielder Weston McKennie, according to reports in Germany.
McKennie has been linked with a move out of Germany, with AS Monaco and Southampton understood to be among the clubs keeping tabs on the U.S. international.
The 21-year-old has been said to prefer a move to the English Premier League, but Hertha appear to have the best chances of landing him – mainly because, unlike McKennie's other suitors, the German capital club should be willing to meet Schalke's asking price €25 million, according to Sky Germany.
Meanwhile, Bild claims that negotiations between Hertha and Schalke 04 are well underway and that McKennie is top of Hertha's shortlist.
McKennie wasn't part of Schalke's squad for Sunday's 5-1 friendly win over Osnabrück. Officially, he was sidelined due to muscular problems, but it has been suggested that he was left out to avoid the risk of picking up an injury ahead of a potential transfer.
Schalke coach David Wagner refused to comment on the speculation on Monday.
"I don't deal with rumors," he told WAZ before adding that McKennie is an 'important part' of his team.