Leeds United transfer target James McAtee is wanted by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, it has been reported.

The Whites, who have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old since the summer, see him as the ideal No 10 in their push for Championship promotion. The club are yet to sign a deep-lying forward since Brighton activated Georginio Rutter's release clause last summer.

Despite the interest in the midfielder, it's not clear whether Manchester City will be willing to do business this month, with McAtee playing six times in the Premier League so far this season. Pep Guardiola remains a big fan and has previously hailed his qualities.

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"Everyone adores him. You saw the reaction of the players, so everyone loves him," the City boss said after McAtee scored his first Champions League goal against Slovan Bratislava in November. "With teams who play so deep he has the quality to find it. He scored and had a few more chances. Of course he will not be a regular player but in a lot of games he will help us and when he plays like he did today, I can always count on him."

However, City now face a decision over whether to let McAtee depart for regular game time. Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claims Bayer Leverkusen are in 'direct talks' with City after a loan offer with an option to buy was 'submitted'.

Although McAtee is their first choice, the German side are also said to have Leeds-linked Emiliano Buendia on their list as a back-up to replace Martin Terrier, who will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is said to be a huge admirer of the City academy product.

Leeds have been linked with a host of players this month but are expected to have a quiet window.