Crystal Palace and West Ham United are keen to take advantage of James McAtee’s situation and make a late move for the Manchester City star.
According to Give Me Sport, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are eager to explore a late move for James McAtee. The Manchester City man has been keen to find a new club for the lack of minutes under Pep Guardiola, as the London duo are eager to find out after a recently failed move for the midfielder.
James McAtee might be wondering what he must do more to gain Pep Guardiola’s trust. The Catalan tactician has publicly praised the midfielder’s characteristics, particularly after a hat-trick in the FA Cup earlier this month. However, the Manchester City boss has not been able to provide regular minutes this season despite being a catalyst in the efforts to keep him back in the summer.
McAtee was keen to exit the club in the build-up to the winter window, and that sentiment might come alive in the dying days of the transfer market. There has been plenty of interest in the 22-year-old since the summer, while some clubs were exploring a move this month.
Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly very close to signing James McAtee in the last few days but have since ruled out a move after signing Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa. West Ham and Crystal Palace are now eager to explore their chances with the 22-year-old after the Bundesliga champions’ snub.
Manchester City are not likely to stand in the way of the midfielder if he desires to leave. While Guardiola has insisted he wants to keep hold of the midfielder for what he can bring, the Catalan manager’s inability to offer him regular minutes will hurt those plans, as McAtee seems destined to depart before the February 3 deadline.
Where will McAtee join?
James McAtee had West Ham’s interest for a considerable period, as former manager Julen Lopetegui wanted him in January. New boss Graham Potter will like the idea of having the 22-year-old in his squad, which at times lacks the dynamism the midfielder offers.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are eager to bring reinforcements before the transfer deadline. The Eagles have already added Romain Esse from Millwall and are eager for more. Oliver Glasner will be interested in McAtee’s profile, as he adds a bit of dynamism to the attack and midfield. Either club will be a good choice for the 22-year-old to progress in his career, as he looks destined for a promising future ahead.
