The latest Newcastle United transfer news and rumours, including gossip about Manchester City prodigy James McAtee.
Newcastle United has been given hope of completing a move for Manchester City teenager James McAtee before the January deadline, with Bayer Leverkusen apparently losing interest.
The Magpies are thought to be one of the teams interested in the 22-year-old during the January transfer window, although they will face competition from a number of other clubs. City is also eager to keep the player, who has seen increased playing time in recent weeks.
McAtee is considered as the right type of player to operate under Eddie Howe – at a price tag that won’t break the bank. With Miguel Almiron seeming certain to leave the club, Howe is reported to be keen to bring in a replacement.
However, it appeared that Leverkusen was winning the hunt for the England youth international. It is said that the German club has submitted a loan offer for the attacker, with the option to make the trade permanent for about £25 million in the summer.
However, Sky in Germany reports that a breakthrough in negotiations for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia has resulted in them withdrawing their interest in McAtee. Buendia is allegedly scheduled to have a physical with Leverkusen very soon. Other clubs, notably Newcastle, now have a better chance of signing McAtee before the deadline of 11 p.m. on February 3.
The Telegraph reports that McAtee has been ‘frustrated’ with his lack of game time at the Etihad Stadium, which might be another boost for Newcastle. The arrival of Omar Marmoush and the impending return of Oscar Bobb from injury could further decrease his game time, as the academy graduate was an unused replacement against Chelsea over the weekend.
Following last week’s 6-0 victory against Ipswich, in which McAtee scored, manager Pep Guardiola expressed his desire to sign the kid.
“He is a fantastic footballer and a wonderful person. “Quite similar qualities to Phil [Foden],” he explained. “It is difficult when you do not have enough time to build your confidence. “Hopefully, we will be able to keep James for many years.”
