Bayer Leverkusen are emerging as candidates to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to play a decisive role in City’s long-awaited victory over Leicester City on Sunday and left the grateful away crowd chanting his name.
McAtee has had a frustrating time watching from the sidelines during a desperate run of just two wins in 14 games and despite manager Pep Guardiola promising him minutes at the start of the campaign.
He has 18 months left on his current contract and, with City yet to enter into negotiations for a new contract, his situation has alerted several interested clubs.
Leverkusen have shown great interest as they see McAtee as perfect for their style of play and an ideal candidate to eventually replace playmaker Florian Wirtz should he leave for big money in the summer amid growing interest from the European 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 in this window if the England under-21 international valued at £25 million was available.
James McAtee (left) impressed during Manchester City’s 2-0 win 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 for McAtee after his cameo against Leicester
Pep Guardiola embraced McAtee after his eye-opening contribution against Leicester and the energy he brought could still see him start against West Ham. Guardiola knows the potential that the young man has, coming from a group that included Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Morgan Rogers and recognizes that he could become an even greater talent.
The manager said: ‘He is a player from a generation that we had at Manchester City and who has been incredible; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis… Incredible, incredible players came out of there, and Macca is one of this generation. He was the captain of this generation.
‘That’s why when I told Txiki (Begiristain), and I know it’s unfair to say it (now) because, ‘Oh, you asked him to stay, after you didn’t give him the minutes he deserved,’ it’s fair. It’s right! But I always had the feeling that that boy could play with us. I could play.
“I’m very happy for him because he’s an incredibly charming guy, he trained very well, he never had a bad face and he earned these minutes.”
‘It’s simple. All players, when you want to ask for something, go to the green! The green is the best place to demonstrate and Macca showed it.
‘No doubt; not only today, but in the past.
‘There are things that sometimes seem unfair. Sometimes, in the situation we are experiencing, you always have the feeling of giving the responsibility to the veteran players, not the young ones.
“But sometimes veteran players have more pressure than young players who have nothing to defend.” They want to conquer the world…
Morgan Rogers came back to haunt his former club when he scored in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win.
Former Manchester City star Liam Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season, scoring six goals.
James McAtee’s chances could be further reduced if Manchester City sign more stars in January
And before the game I had the feeling that if I had to make a change today, the first would be James. I felt it. He can play on the wing, as a winger, as a forward…
‘What makes me most happy is that every action has been good! He didn’t do a single wrong action! “In the position he was in, defensively, I think he grew a lot in Sheffield, that made him very, very mature.”
However, City are still looking to strengthen their squad in the coming weeks and further attacking additions could have a further knock-on effect on McAtee’s progress.
Although Kevin De Bruyne is showing signs that injuries have taken their toll and could still leave in the summer, City still have fierce competition in the attacking midfield positions.