Everton could look to complete a surprise move for England prodigy James McAtee in the coming weeks, according to reports - with the Merseyside club having held talks with Manchester City over a potential switch down the M62 for the 'unbelievable' Cityzens' academy product.
The Salford-born star spent two seasons on loan at Sheffield United from 2022-2024, scoring nine goals in 37 Championship games to record automatic promotion, before recording three Premier League goals for the Blades in the 2023/24 campaign, despite relegation. However, he somewhat burst his way into the City side last year under Pep Guardiola, making 27 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals - a solid breakthrough at the age of 22.
Report: Everton 'Hold Conversations' With Man City over James McAtee
The young midfielder could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks
James McAtee in action for Manchester City
It may seem a bit of a shock that City are open to selling him after he featured fairly prominently for them last season, though the additions of Tijani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this summer have likely pushed the England under-21 captain down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.
James McAtee's Premier League statistics - Man City squad ranking, 24/25
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Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Crosses Per Game
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And with that in mind, the report by 'The I' states that Everton will hold further transfer meetings this week, with the club looking to step up their progress on adding players to their squad - and notably their attack, with discussions over McAtee having already taken place.
The Toffees players returned for pre-season on Friday, which brought about a fresh focus for the recruitment staff. Although Everton have a defensive core that will make them somewhat competitive next season, there is little firepower in a team that struggled to score in the Premier League last season, alongside losing multiple players.
And although a £27.5million deal for Villarreal star Thierno Barry may be completed this week, the Toffees are now eyeing a move for McAtee - with a £25million move being considered for the City youngster, who is described as 'eye-catching' by the report. Fabrizio Romano earlier stated that the Englishman will be allowed to leave City, citing a similar fee.
Clubs from the Bundesliga are interested, but boss David Moyes is a big admirer, and there have been conversations with City over securing a potential move for the diminutive midfielder.
Everton have lost midfield creativity in Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom already this summer, thanks to their expiring contracts and loan deals, and McAtee's arrival would go a long way to making the club a real force to be reckoned with.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 09-07-25.
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