Bayer Leverkusen are emerging as contenders to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
The 22-year old came off the bench to play a decisive cameo in City’s much sought-after victory over Leicester City on Sunday and it left the appreciative away support singing his name.
McAtee has endured a frustrating time watching on from the sidelines during a desperate run of just two wins in 14 games and despite being promised minutes by manager Pep Guardiola at the start of the campaign.
He has 18 months left on his current deal and, with City yet to engage in new contract negotiations, his situation has alerted a number of interested clubs.
Leverkusen have taken a keen interest as they see McAtee as perfect for their style of play and an ideal candidate to eventually take over from playmaker Florian Wirtz should he make a big money departure in the summer amid growing interest from Europe’s elite.
Red Bull Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Bologna and Fiorentina also have him on their radar while Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace would be prepared to make moves this window should the £25million-rated England U21 international become available.
James McAtee (left) impressed during Man City’s 2-0 victory at Leicester City on Sunday
Cole Palmer (right) has become one of the Premier League’s best players since leaving City
Pep Guardiola had warm words to say about McAtee after his cameo against Leicester
Pep Guardiola embraced McAtee after his telling contribution against Leicester and the energy he brought could yet see him start against West Ham. Guardiola knows the potential the youngster has, coming from a group that produced Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Morgan Rogers and recognises he could become an even greater talent.
The manager said: ‘He’s a player from a generation we had at Manchester City that’s been unbelievable; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis… Incredible, incredible players came from there, and Macca is one of this generation. He was captain of this generation.
‘That’s why, when I said to Txiki (Begiristain), and I know it’s unfair to say 1735564265 because, “Ah you asked him to stay, after you didn’t give him minutes he deserved”, that’s fair. It’s right! But always I had the feeling that guy could play with us. He could play.
‘I’m very pleased for him because he’s an incredibly lovely guy, trained really good, never one bad face, and he won these…