Sheffield United's English midfielder James Mcatee reacts after failing to score during the English FA Cup fourth round-replay football match between Sheffield United and Wrexham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England, on February 7, 2023. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

James McAtee plans could be scuppered by Leicester and Wolves

By Jake Staniland | 29 August 2023, 18:30

Leicester City might possess a significant edge as they’re reportedly linked with Manchester City midfielder James McAtee in the closing stages of the transfer window.

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester City, Wolves, Ajax, and Sheffield United are all interested in the 20-year-old. Despite facing competition from various Premier League and European clubs, Enzo Maresca’s affiliation with Man City, the former youth academy coach, could potentially assist Leicester City if they accelerate a move for McAtee.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 08: James McAtee of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrews (stadium) on May 08, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

In recent reports, McAtee is also an option for Wolves as part of the Matheus Nunes deal, with Manchester City trying to smooth over a £52m deal, per The Daily Mail.

During the previous season, the midfielder was on loan at Sheffield United, contributing to the team’s promotion to the Premier League by scoring nine goals and delivering three assists in the Championship.

The Blades are keen to re-sign the player on loan, and according to Alan Nixon, McAtee is also hoping to join Sheffield United this summer, but Pep Guardiola is holding the move up.

If Paul Heckingbottom can’t get a loan move for McAtee over the line then he will pursue a move for Tommy Doyle, who is desperate to re-join the Blades.

Posted by Jake Staniland

29 August 2023, 18:30