James McAtee could be on his way out of Manchester City before the January transfer window shuts as he’s on a number of Premier League clubs’ radar. David Kent of the Daily Mail says the 19-year-old has impressed at youth level this season and has ‘attracted interest’ from Brighton, Leicester City and Aston Villa among others.
McAtee has scored 15 goals with nine assists from 34 games with the U18s, scored four goals with one assist from three games with the U19s and scored 23 goals with 16 assists from 44 games with the U23s. He’s featured three times in the first-team this season but finds himself behind the likes of Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez.
Bournemouth, Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn and Swansea City are also showing an interest in the England youth international, so City might be under pressure to let McAtee get minutes elsewhere. Pep Guardiola rates the 19-year-old highly and wants to keep him in Manchester, but the Daily Mail say McAtee is ‘itching’ for opportunities.
A short-term loan move may be an option, but only if Guardiola is happy to let him leave.