Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has played down reports that West Ham target James McAtee could leave the Premier League champions during the January transfer window.
The Hammers, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen have all been credited with an interest in the midfielder but, asked directly whether the England Under 21 international is set to depart the Etihad, Guardiola simply replied:
“Leave? No I don’t think so.”
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There have been suggestions that City may be willing to sell McAtee for around £20m, but that figure is questionable considering they reportedly turned down bids of £30m last summer.
Why are West Ham interested in the player?
While head coach Julen Lopetegui does have plenty of options in the middle of the park, with the likes of Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez, Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta all available to him, there could be one or two outgoings in January.
It is believed that Rodriguez could leave the London Stadium just six months after his free transfer from Real Betis after failing to impress with his performances in the Premier League. Paqueta could also be set for a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of spot-fixing at a hearing in March.
McAtee is not the only midfielder being targeted
Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also been linked with a switch to the Irons in recent days. Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly stated that he wouldn’t stand in the player’s way if he wants to leave Stamford Bridge. It is believed that he could be available on loan.
Furthermore, reports in Italy have suggested that Lopetegui’s team are keeping tabs on Douglas Luiz’s situation at Juventus. The former Aston Villa player could be sold by the Serie A club to raise funds next month.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here