Nottingham Forest is reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester City’s highly-rated young midfielder, James McAtee. The 22-year-old attacking talent has become a prime target for Forest as they look to significantly bolster their squad for the upcoming season, particularly following the departure of key attacking players.
McAtee, who recently captained the England Under-21s to Euros glory, has attracted interest from various clubs across Europe, including Bundesliga giants Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, as well as Premier League rivals such as West Ham and Everton. However, sources suggest that Nottingham Forest are “refusing to give up” in their determined pursuit, aiming to convince McAtee to continue his development in England.
Manchester City, reportedly looking to balance their books in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, have set an asking price for McAtee. While earlier reports suggested a fee around £20-25 million, recent claims indicate his valuation could be closer to £35 million. Despite the potentially steep price tag, Forest appears prepared to “push the boat out” to secure what they view as a marquee signing.
McAtee’s exclusion from Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad earlier this year signaled his potential availability, and Forest is keen to capitalize on this. His versatility and creative flair are seen as ideal to fill the void left by recent departures at the City Ground, making him a top priority for manager Nuno Espirito Santo as he shapes his squad for an ambitious campaign.