Man City wonderkid James McAtee 'lined up for January transfer' after playing ONE Premier League minute all season
11/19/2024 08:18 AM
MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.
McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he amassed a total of 14 goals and eight assists in 75 appearances.
The playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad as he has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.
According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product, who was also targeted by Chelsea last summer.
McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.
The attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Citizens would be open to a deal.
The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.
However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.
West Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.
Paqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association's betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.
Fulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.
His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.
Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star.
