Nottingham Forest can 'jump to front of queue' in transfer battle for £25m-rated Man City ace
Nottingham Forest could “pounce” for Manchester City youngster James McAtee before the January window closes, it has been claimed.
The Reds have until 11pm on Monday (February 3) to get any transfer business done as they look to bolster head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad. Other than re-signing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a short-term deal they are yet to welcome any new faces but will be hoping that changes in the coming days.
McAtee is a man in demand as deadline day looms. Forest have had their eye on him for some time, and one report suggests they are contemplating whether to firm up their interest.
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According to GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are among the clubs “in the mix to pounce” for the midfielder. It is claimed they are weighing up whether “to jump to the front of the queue” with the lure of offering more Premier League game time for the 22-year-old.
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are said to be in the same position while Brighton and Hove Albion are “keeping tabs” on the situation. However, any potential suitors will likely have a fight on their hands to prise McAtee away from the Etihad Stadium.
German outfit Bayer Leverkusen had been in pole position to snap up the former England youth international but had a formal loan offer rejected, according to The Telegraph. GMS report City would be prepared to listen to offers in the region of £25 million but are unlikely to budge on their stance as boss Pep Guardiola is said to be “more than happy” to hang on to the player.
As well as coming through the City youth set-up, McAtee has also had two spells on loan with Sheffield United but remained at City in the summer. He has scored five goals in 14 appearances for Guardiola’s side so far this season.
Forest go into the final days of the window well aware Nuno’s squad does not require too much work. They have strength in depth in most areas but adding a striker is a priority to bolster the club’s hopes of securing European football.
