Nottingham Forest are pressing hard to secure a move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, IsaGoal can report, as the final stretch of the summer transfer window approaches.
According to The Telegraph, City are holding out for £35 million despite McAtee’s contract running out next year—a figure Forest are struggling to meet.
McAtee, 21, impressed last season with seven goals in 27 games and turned heads again with his performances at the Under-21 Euros for England.
Forest see him as a potential replacement for Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle for £55 million earlier this window.
Nuno Espirito Santo remains a strong admirer of McAtee, even though he lacks Elanga’s explosive speed on the flanks.
There’s also been Premier League and Bundesliga interest, but Forest remain focused on making the deal work.
City reportedly view Cole Palmer’s £42.5 million switch to Chelsea as a benchmark and are determined not to repeat past mistakes with young talent.
Forest initially hoped to land McAtee for £20–25 million, but negotiations are expected to intensify soon.
Despite Tottenham triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60 million release clause, Forest managed to keep hold of him amid claims of an “illegal approach” by Spurs.
James McAtee has scored 12 goals in 32 games for England’s youth sides.
This article was updated 1 month ago