Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are confident about securing the services of Manchester City sensation James McAtee.
James McAtee might be living his final weeks at Manchester City as he closes in on a move away from the club. According to a report from Grame Bailey on TBR Football, Nottingham Forest have emerged as the most likely destination for the English youth international.
McAtee has come up the ranks at Manchester City, and he has been a part of their first-team setup since 2023. While he is quite highly rated by people at the club, Pep Guardiola has not been able to hand him regular first-team action.
Last season, he was involved in just 27 matches and racked up less than 1,000 minutes. With Manchester City making some blockbuster signings this summer, he is unlikely to have an important role next season as well.
As a result, the 22-year-old is not keen on penning a new deal, and he is looking for a move away from the club. With his contract running out in 12 months, Manchester City are willing to sanction his departure for just £20 million. It is considered a bargain for someone like him.
McAtee just led the England Under-21 to the European title this summer, and his performances at the tournament have further increased interest in his services. Multiple German clubs are after his signature, but among Premier League clubs, Nottingham Forest look best placed to sign the Manchester City graduate.
Nuno Espirito Santo wants more quality in the final third after securing European football with a seventh-placed finish last time out. The 22-year-old’s ability to feature as a number ten as well as on the flanks could certainly come in handy.
With Morgan Gibbs-White likely to join Tottenham, the Tricky Trees need an ideal replacement, and McAtee fits the bill. Nottingham Forest are confident of securing his services, believing they have presented a strong case. Significant progress has been made over the past week, and with the player available for just £20 million, everything seems to be aligning for them to complete the signing.