Ajax wants James McAtee from Manchester City to replace West Ham United-bound Mohammed Kudus
Ajax have shortlisted Manchester City youngster James McAtee as a replacement for the West Ham United-bound Mohammed Kudus, according to The Mirror.
As reported in their print edition (15 August, pg 59), the 20-year-old, despite just making three senior league appearances for the Blues, could fill in for Kudus with Reading’s Charlie Savage also shortlisted.
Kudus is reportedly close to finalising a move to the London Stadium, with Fabrizio Romano claiming (24 August) that a deal £38.6million was 90 per cent complete.
Domino effect
While West Ham’s deal for Kudus is not confirmed yet, Hammers fans will feel reassured that Ajax are looking for replacements for the Ghanaian.
In what was expected to be his final game for the side, Kudus got a hattrick against Ludogorets in a Europa League qualifier to truly give West Ham fans a taste of what he could bring.
As a result of his departure, Ajax appear to be targeting relatively cheap but high-potential youngsters. Ajax, of course, are famous for their player development and talent production.
If they see the potential in the likes of McAtee, he could be set for a good career.
The Salford-born midfielder, while technically a Premier League champion, has not been offered much in the way of first-team football under Pep Guardiola. However, his impressive loan spell at Sheffield United in the Championship last season boosted his reputation after his nine-goal haul.
If Ajax are serious about making a move for McAttee, it just gives West Ham fans more evidence that the Ghanaian will be moving to Stratford this summer.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are interested in signing a young Championship striker.