Manchester City midfielder James McAtee has emerged as a transfer target for Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen, as his future at the Etihad Stadium becomes increasingly uncertain.
The 22-year-old, who has struggled for regular game time under Pep Guardiola, is entering the final year of his contract this summer and is keen to secure more consistent minutes next season.
Although McAtee started in City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, it was only his second league start of the campaign.
Interest in McAtee is growing as Manchester City evaluates potential midfield reinforcements to substitute for the departing Kevin De Bruyne.
Both Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz have been shortlisted, though it is unlikely Guardiola will pursue both players in the same window. Should either move materialize, it could trigger McAtee’s exit, with Forest and Leverkusen both seen as serious contenders for his signature.
Leverkusen, who had a January loan bid with a £25 million purchase option rejected, remain keen admirers.
Their willingness to reignite a deal may depend on the future of Wirtz, who is valued at around £100 million and continues to attract significant interest across Europe. A major bid could force the Bundesliga champions’ hand.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are long-time suitors of McAtee and could step up their pursuit if Gibbs-White departs. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to reinforce his squad, especially with the possibility of Forest qualifying for the Champions League.
Apart from Forest and Leverkusen, Manchester United, Newcastle, and AC Milan are also monitoring McAtee’s situation closely, aware of his technical quality and potential availability at a cut-price fee.
