Everton are interested in signing Tottenham-linked Manchester City talent James McAtee
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for several creative players this summer as they look to improve their supply line in time for the new season.
James Maddison was the creative nucleus of Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side, and his burden was eased to some extent last term by Dejan Kulusevski. This happened only after Ange decided to alter Kulusevski’s position from right flank to central midfield, and the Swede immediately became productive.
It is worth noting that both Maddison and Kulusevski missed the Europa League final after sustaining serious knee injury problems. They are likely to miss the pre-season tour and perhaps the opening game of the new campaign, so Thomas Frank must find some solution to this issue.
It is yet to be known what system Thomas Frank will employ at White Hart Lane. At his previous club Brentford, he used both flat back four and a three-man defensive system. The Dane largely employed a 4-2-3-1 system last season, and creative players and forwards such as Mikkel Damsgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade all thrived. Keeping Frank’s tactical fluidity in mind, it would not be wrong to say that the Lilywhites must focus on signing versatile players more this summer.
Manchester City playmaker James McAtee linked with a move to Tottenham
Manchester City playmaker James McAtee linked with a move to Tottenham
James McAtee wants to leave Man City amid Tottenham interest
Reports earlier this year pointed towards Tottenham’s interest in signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. The Englishman is planning to quit Manchester City on a permanent basis this summer. He started just three Premier League games for the Sky Blues last season, clocking just a total of 342 minutes.
The arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki in June have pushed the 22-year-old even further down the pecking order. This would have put Tottenham in a promising position to land James McAtee, but not anymore following the entry of a rival Premier League club.
Tottenham face competition from Premier League rival for the Man City talent
According to The i Paper, Everton are now in talks with Man City over a move for McAtee. David Moyes is a ‘big admirer’ of the 22-year-old and wants to bring him to Goodison Park. Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga are also keeping tabs on him.
Should Daniel Levy beat Everton to the signing of Man City talent James McAtee?
The playmaker captained Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 side to European Championship success last month, catching the eye with his vision, creativity and movement across six appearances. Before last season, McAtee gained valuable Premier League experience with Sheffield United but couldn’t save them from getting relegated in 2024.
The versatile midfielder might cost in the region of £25m this summer, the report adds.
Everton are trying to get a deal for McAtee across the line, a player who Tottenham could hugely benefit from. The England Under-21 international can operate behind the striker and out wide, and such flexibility combined with his technical qualities on the ball and smart movement, could make him a fine fit in Frank’s system.
And valued by City in the £25m ballpark, the Lilywhites must spring back to life and try beating Everton to McAtee’s signature.