West Ham have been named alongside Nottingham Forest as the two clubs pushing hardest for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.
The 22-year-old featured for England’s U21s last month, playing alongside fellow Hammers targets Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Charlie Cresswell, and Omari Hutchinson. Lee Carsley’s side won the tournament in style, and while McAtee was ever-present, he didn’t quite make the same impact as some of his teammates.
The Telegraph reports that both West Ham and Forest value the attacking midfielder at around £20m—though Manchester City are believed to be holding out for closer to £35m.
West Ham are eyeing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee
McAtee is said to be aware that opportunities at the Etihad will be limited next season, especially following Pep Guardiola’s latest squad overhaul, which now includes Rayan Cherki.
City have made a tidy profit in recent seasons by selling young talents and appear to be following the ‘Chelsea model’ of youth turnover.
It’s hard to see West Ham stumping up the full £35m, but if Forest complete the reported sale of Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham, they’ll certainly have the funds to go all in for McAtee.
Tend to agree that £35m seems steep. For me Elliott at around £40m seems the better value. Can I see us affording either without the sale of Paqueta? Not without a loan with an obligation to buy as we must get a centre forward in.
Interesting, I remember a WHU spokesperson suggesting we were linked with International players during the under 21 tournament.
It would be a great summers work seeing Mac man replacing pac man!
The expensive but class, pouring of the Liverpool exports, Elliott & Mortan.
With a not so subtle, Mr Lookman arriving late at check in. ⚒️🥊
City get ripped off with pretty much every purchase they make. McAtee has played more and scored more than Palmer did for City’s first team. £35m is a bargain.
The name depicts you’re having a laugh.