According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, James McAtee’s future could be away from Manchester City as Nottingham Forest are eager to explore a move for the 22-year-old whizkid. The attacking midfielder has been featuring regularly of late, but there are considerable doubts about whether he has a future at the Etihad as more than one club are showing an interest.
Manchester City are set for a decisive summer window, with Pep Guardiola intent on making a few changes. For starters, the club will look for a high-quality replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne, while also making decisions on the futures of some of their existing squad players such as James McAtee.
The 22-year-old is set to enter the final year of his deal at the Etihad, with concerns that the club might consider offers for the rising star. Manchester City turned down a few deals back in January, but now they might open the doors as Guiardiola is already thinking about some big incomings.
James McAtee was potentially seen as someone with a similar profile to De Bruyne, and it appears the Citizens do not see it that way. Hence, they might be open to offers, with Nottingham Forest the latest to enter the race for the 22-year-old whizkid, as Nuno Espirito Santo is set to for a big summer window if the club do qualify for the Champions League next season.
Nottingham Forest have signed a few quality young prospects over the last few windows, with Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White the most notable of those names. Incidentally, Manchester City are interested in Gibbs-White as a replacement for De Bruyne, although the prospect of an exchange deal might not be on the cards.
Another report on The Telegraph has revealed that Nottingham Forest are not alone in the race for James McAtee, with Newcastle United and Manchester United monitoring the 22-year-old whizkid’s situation. Forest might have an upper hand provided they make the Champions League, and if the £100 million-rated Gibbs-White leaves, which will have a spot for McAtee to play a prominent role in the side.
As for Manchester United, they might find it difficult to deal with Manchester City, although a strong bid might make City consider a deal. Newcastle United might have a good enough chance to lure the midfielder especially if they too make it to the Champions League next season. The Magpies and Forest could potentially have a strong chance of landing the 22-year-old in the summer.
