Leeds United have reportedly targeted Genk and US defender Mark McKenzie.
The Whites are reportedly looking for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window. Leeds let Luke Ayling and Djed Spence go this month, but Charlie Cresswell is drawing loving views from other teams. With that in mind, Leeds are reportedly interested in a number of defenders, including McKenzie.
According to Voetbal Nieuws, Leeds has joined Premier League clubs Brighton, Everton, and West Ham United in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.
McKenzie is in the final 18 months of his Genk deal, and while the club does not want to lose him in January, a move cannot be completely ruled out.
The price tag has been reported to be more than €10 million (£8.5 million). However, the article states unequivocally that Genk’s football director will be adamant about McKenzie’s contract.
“I want to be clear, we want to keep this core together and not let anyone go,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws (as transcribed by VN) in November.
“There are always exceptions; an irresistible offer is always feasible; this is true everywhere. But we are going to make things really difficult.”
Mark McKenzie, a Leeds United target, is a ‘great athlete’.
McKenzie is a good defender who has improved significantly at Genk and appears to be ready for a move up across the channel.
Iain Munro, who worked alongside McKenzie at the Philadelphia Union’s academy, has previously praised the £8.5 million defender.
“Mark is a talented kid,” he told the Daily Record in 2020.
“When he first came through the academy, you could tell he had a lot of speed and physical ability. Nobody could outrun him.
“He’s constantly improving. He’s a bright young man who excels at sports. He pays close attention and is easy to coach.
“We’ve seen players like (Zack) Steffen and Pulisic move through the academy and perform very well for themselves.
“Mark can go on to play at a high level as well – he’s a Rolls-Royce of a player.”
McKenzie rose through the ranks at Philadelphia Union before making a huge move across the pond to the Belgian top tier with Genk in 2021.
He has since made 106 appearances for the club in all competitions, as well as 13 United States caps.
