Leeds United are one of several clubs that have been in the running for Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee in the past few years, and the latest update suggests he’s not part of the plans under Pep Guardiola.
The summer transfer window officially opens on Sunday with Leeds, like Burnley and Sunderland, needing to make a good start to proceedings in order to enjoy their return to the top flight.
Signing Premier League experience and quality would be ideal for Leeds if the price is right, and some long-standing targets could be available very soon.
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Leeds United ‘target’ James McAtee could leave Manchester City after Club World Cup announcement
The FIFA Club World Cup is due to commence next month with Manchester City and Chelsea involved out of the Premier League clubs.
However, there is no place in the squad for 22-year-old James McAtee, who was previously a target of Leeds’ and has been heavily speculated to be on the shortlist this summer as a new signing, following promotion.
Pep Guardiola has clearly made his mind up on Leeds United ‘target’ James McAtee. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Meanwhile, City-based journalist Jack Gaughan has shared that with McAtee instead linking up with the preliminary England U21 squad ahead of next month’s European Championships in Slovakia, McAtee’s omission from Pep Guardiola’s plans likely spells the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Further to that, the MEN’s Simon Bajkowski has reported that the midfielder commands a £25million asking price this summer and is attracting interest from the Bundesliga, a division the player himself is tempted by.
Should Leeds want to make an approach, they will face competition likely from other Premier League clubs, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart.
Leeds United may not stand a chance in signing James McAtee this summer
The offer of regular starting opportunities is probably what McAtee wants in leaving Man City, and Leeds would definitely be able to give that to him.
That being said, there are several clubs across Europe that are interested in him, that are currently in a better position to us, that can say the same thing.
Given the English talent that has developed in the Bundesliga, you can see why McAtee is keen on heading down that career path.
The only way I can see Leeds pushing to sign McAtee is if we pay over this £25million asking price, which becomes a big risk all of a sudden.