Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manchester City attacker James McAtee, according to the latest reports surrounding the playmaker.
Daniel Farke ’s side face a significant task this summer as they prepare for life back in the top flight.
The Whites secured promotion by winning the Championship this season and will return to the Premier League in 2025/26.
However, work remains to ensure the club avoids the fate of recent promoted sides like Luton Town, Southampton, and Leicester City, each of whom were relegated after just one season.
Several potential transfer targets have already been linked with Leeds since promotion was confirmed, including 22-year-old McAtee.
Leeds are reportedly one of several clubs interested in the City academy graduate, but recent updates suggest the competition will be fierce if he departs the Etihad.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported on Wednesday that multiple Bundesliga clubs have enquired about McAtee ahead of the transfer window opening.
Among those clubs are 2023/24 German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who may be planning for life after Florian Wirtz, amid heavy links with Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
However, it’s noted that Leverkusen’s immediate focus is on appointing a new manager to replace Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso.
Premier League clubs are also said to be monitoring McAtee’s situation in case he becomes available this summer, meaning a potential move to Elland Road would be far from straightforward.
McAtee, who is under contract at City until 2026, is a product of the club’s youth academy.
This season, he has made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals.
His omission from City’s FA Cup final squad over the weekend could be another indication of a possible departure, with first-team opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola.
“For the age I would like him to stay," Guardiola said last month. “I understand, the players want more minutes I understand that.
“I would like him to stay, he’s an Academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely person, a lovely guy. “He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see.”