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Manchester United are still interested in an explosive raid on local rival Manchester City to sign James McAtee, according to a report.
In April, the Red Devils were linked with a shock move for the 22-year-old midfield, who retains the versatility to play in a number of different positions – an attractive trait in Ruben Amorim’s system.
They were joined in the hunt for McAtee by Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen – who were establishing potential plans to replace their creative talismans, Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz – as well as AC Milan and Newcastle United.
McAtee’s contract at the Etihad expires next summer (2026) meaning this transfer window would constitute the last opportunity for the Citizens to cash in on their academy star.
Pep Guardiola has previously spoken about his wish to keep the England U-21 star international at the club but acknowledged the importance of first-team minutes for a young player.
“For the age, I’d like him to stay. But I understand players want more minutes. He can play different positions but I don’t know how the squad will be and we will see,” the Spanish manager said in April.
The news that Guardiola has now excluded McAtee from City’s squad for the Club World Cup this month has reignited noises that the midfielder will now depart.
The Mirror reveals, “Manchester City have opted against including James McAtee in their squad for the Club World Cup as their neighbours Manchester United continue to circle. The snub could prove telling as the academy graduate weighs up his future.
“City will jet halfway across the world to play in the tournament but won’t go with McAtee, who instead has been added to England’s pre-tournament training squad ahead of the U21s Euros in Slovakia.”
This omission means “potential suitors are beginning to circle and one of those is the Red Devils. Selling direct to the Old Trafford outfit would prove a hugely controversial move, especially as McAtee is tipped to have a bright future,” the report states.
McAtee is believed to prefer a move to Germany after seeing “first-hand” how young English players, such as Jadon Sancho Jude Bellingham, have thrived since joining Bundesliga sides.
But United are evidently keeping a keen eye on developments on the blue side of Manchester as Old Trafford executives consider a blockbuster move for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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