TBR Football can confirm Nottingham Forest have held talks with Manchester City over James McAtee as they look to win the race for the England Under-21 star.
Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are amongst a host of German clubs trying to land the 22-year-old.
But it is Premier League clubs who are now leading the chase. TBR Football revealed that Tottenham Hotspur had stepped up their interest in McAtee following their failure to land Morgan Gibbs-White and seeing James Maddison suffer a long-term knee injury.
James McAtee in action for Manchester City vs Aston Villa.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
However, we can now confirm that Forest are stepping up their interest in McAtee and are hoping to strike a deal with City.
Exclusive: James McAtee price tag revealed amid Nottingham Forest interest
TBR Football can reveal through chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that City are demanding £40million for McAtee, who has just 12 months left on his current contract, but we are told Forest are unlikely to go above £30million at this point.
But the two clubs are holding talks, and there is confidence that a deal can be agreed.
As well as McAtee and a full-back, with Leif Davis of interest, Forest are looking to bring another two wingers and are keen on the likes of Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bakwa.
“Forest are not finishing in this window, they want a full-back and wingers, but they really like McAtee.
“They always knew a deal would not be easy, but they are hopeful they can win the race to land him.”
What could James McAtee bring to Forest?
Nottingham Forest need firepower up top – and that’s something McAtee can bring in abundance.
Manchester City v Club America - Pre-season friendly
Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images
Despite limited game time at the Etihad, the youngster has proven himself worthy on loan, in youth competitions, and when called upon in the Manchester City first team.
Premier League: 48 appearances, 6 goals.
Championship: 37 appearances, 9 goals.
U18 Premier League: 27 appearances, 11 goals.
An impressive goal-scoring record, and as Forest travel around Europe, a player of McAtee’s profile is duly needed at The City Ground.