Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United interested in Man City academy graduate James McAtee
According to the latest transfer news on The Sun, Manchester United are ready to pounce on a deal for Manchester City academy graduate James McAtee.
The 19-year-old has produced inspirational performances in the City academy set-up before featuring for the senior side in last month’s Carabao Cup victory against Wycombe Wanderers.
In fact, the youngster’s talent is such that he is already being compared to a younger version of club legend David Silva. However, the reigning Premier League champions are now facing the prospect of losing his services.
The Englishman is believed to have only 18 months on his current contract at the Etihad and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. Other academy graduates like Liam Delap and Cole Palmer have recently signed new deals and although City are willing to offer McAtee a salary worth £8,000-per-week, no agreement has been reached between the two parties.
Pep Guardiola is now insisting the club to sort out the future of the youngster as he believes there are four to five academy players who can follow in Phil Foden’s shoes. Apart from Man United, Liverpool are also eyeing a deal for the youngster.
McAtee has previously thwarted interest from Brighton, but the Red Devils could provide an attractive project to the youngster. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been open to giving youth a chance. This is evidenced by his use of Amad Diallo, Mason Greenwood, Teden Mengi, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams among others.
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Additionally, the Old Trafford outfit could use some attacking talent in the academy, which can later be promoted to the senior team. Edinson Cavani will be out of contract next summer, while Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 37 next year.
Thus, while a deal is yet to be banged out for the U-20 English international, United will be looking to get one over their city rivals by trying to sign McAtee in the coming transfer windows.
