Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 2 Jun 2025 15:48 BST
4 min read
Pep Guardiola, Cole Palmer, Man City
© IMAGO
Manchester United are interested in Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, who is expected to be left out of the Cityzens' Club World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old finds himself in a similar position to Cole Palmer in 2023. Despite being so eminently talented, McAtee has struggled to get consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola.
Already in January, McAtee was being chased by a host of interested clubs who felt that they could lure him away from the Etihad with the promise of game time. However, Guardiola always insisted that he is keen to keep the England youth international.
The situation hasn't changed, and with the first summer transfer window now in full swing, the speculation surrounding McAtee is once again ramping up. Bayer Leverkusen, braced for the exit of superstar Florian Wirtz, have retained their January interest in McAtee, and talks have already taken place.
However, according to The Mirror, citing a report from the Daily Mail, Man Utd also hold an interest in their rivals' talented playmaker.
Man Utd to sign McAtee?
It is claimed that the Red Devils are 'circling' for the versatile midfielder and that a move is becoming increasingly likely. That is because McAtee is expected to be left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad.
The official roster list for the tournament in the US hasn't been revealed yet, but it is asserted that McAtee will be omitted, which could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for him.
James McAtee
© IMAGO - James McAtee
Man City will take on Morocco's Wydad Casablanca, the United Arab Emirates' Al Ain and Italy's Juventus in the group stage of the Club World Cup, with the first game taking place in Philadelphia on June 18.
Instead of flying out to the US with City, McAtee will link up with England's U21s ahead of the European Championship in Slovakia. With his contract expiring next year, the Cityzens are likely to cash in on him this summer.
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