West Ham United and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs battling to sign James McAtee from Manchester City.
McAtee is exploring his options as the midfielder seeks a regular role. The 22-year-old started three times in the Premier League last season, totalling 343 minutes of league action.
He featured more prominently in cup competition and scored seven goals in all competitions, with several sides in England and Germany pursuing the player.
James McAtee put on a show in the U21 EURO final 🙌#U21POTM pic.twitter.com/Gak1Mpx9rl
— UEFA Men’s Youth (@UEFAMensYouth) June 28, 2025
After captaining England to success at the u-21 European Championship, McAtee is now targeting a prominent club role. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, West Ham and Nottingham Forest are among the Premier League clubs keen.
The Hammers sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur this week in a £55m deal and view McAtee as a potential replacement.
Like Kudus, McAtee has excelled from both the right flank and in an advanced central midfield position.
Nottingham Forest could also soon be on the hunt for a playmaker, following Tottenham’s approach for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Spurs have activated the £60m release clause in the England international’s contract, though Forest are preparing a complaint to the Premier League over the approach.
Despite reports earlier this month that City would accept a fee of around £20m, it is being reported that the Citizens value McAtee in a similar bracket to Cole Palmer at the time he left the Etihad in 2023.
Palmer joined Chelsea for £42.5m after struggling for minutes in Pep Guardiola’s side and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s top talents in West London.
Read – Arsenal yet to receive offer for winger despite reports
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