Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of three Premier League clubs 'showing strong interest' in Manchester City teenager James McAtee.
The 19-year-old began to break into Pep Guardiola's first team last season, making two cameos as a substitute in the league campaign as well as coming on at half-time of their Champions League round of 16 second leg against Sporting. An attacking midfielder, McAtee also made a combined three appearances across the domestic cup competitions.
After that initial exposure, the Premier League champions are apparently exploring the option of loaning the England under-21 international out within the top-flight this season for what would be a first spell away from club in his career. City don't want to see McAtee warming someone else's bench, though.
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MailOnline report that the Salford-born starlet would only be allowed to leave on loan if playing time is 'guaranteed' and 'assurances' can be given that will be the case. Bournemouth, Leeds United and Spanish side Villarreal are all also 'showing strong interest' as well as the Reds.
Brighton and Hove Albion have also made their interest clear in the past by seeing bid of around £8 million rejected by City last summer before the player signed a contract extension in February this year. Before that new deal was signed, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United from England and Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona across the continent were all interested the player.
This is not the first summer that Forest have apparently been keen on a love move for the player, either. Back in 2020, the Reds were reportedly one of numerous clubs keen to sign McAtee, but the player instead stayed put playing under-23s football at City.
Should Forest explore the loan market again this season? Have your say in the comments...
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