Alan Shearer believes Leeds United-linked playmaker James McAtee needs to leave Manchester City this summer. The attacking midfielder has found regular first team football hard to come at the Etihad Stadium.
McAtee was left out of City's matchday squad for Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, casting further doubt on his long term future. A raft of clubs, including the Whites, are understood to be interested in signing the England Under-21 international heading into the summer transfer window.
McAtee was a transfer target for United last summer as they explored a number of different options in the No 10 position. As things stand, Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen are believed to be ahead of the Whites in the queue to sign the player. It is believed a fee of around £25m will be required to prise McAtee away from the reigning Premier League champions.
Speaking on the latest episode of the 'The Rest Is Football' podcast, former Newcastle United striker Shearer said: “He [McAtee] is not getting in their team. He’s another one that is going to have to leave.”
Presenter Gary Lineker quipped his beloved Leicester City will "take" McAtee following their relegation to the Championship. Micah Richards echoed Shearer's sentiments on McAtee, saying: “He’s not probably the same level as Cole Palmer, but McAtee will go somewhere and will light it up. He will light it up. He’s got something special.”
McAtee, a graduate of the club's youth system, has just over a year left to run on his City contract. The 22-year-old will be hoping to be involved when Pep Guardiola's men entertain Bournemouth in their final home match of the season tomorrow night.
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