West Ham desperate for James McAtee transfer after Manchester City U-turn
West Ham United are “desperate” to hold talks over signing James McAtee from Manchester City in January, according to GIVEMESPORT.
The outlet reported via its website on 2 December that the Irons are increasingly hopeful of the possibility of signing the 22-year-old as City consider a U-turn on their stance.
McAtee was expected to stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond January, but the reigning champions are opening up to selling him for a fee in the region of £20million.
The Hammers, though, face competition from Crystal Palace and other overseas clubs.
West Ham eye James McAtee transfer amid Manchester City U-turn
It emerged last month that the East London outfit have identified McAtee as a target, earmarking him as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta amid fears of losing the Brazilian [The Sun].
With Botafogo credited with an interest in the attacker, it appears Julen Lopetegui’s side are already planning for life without him.
McAtee would no doubt be an excellent signing for the Hammers as he is young, English and has come through the ranks at Manchester City.
The England Under-21s international, though, faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium after receiving just one minute of Premier League action this season.
McAtee is also entering the final 18 months of his contract with the Cityzens, raising doubts over his long-term future with them.
With just weeks to go before the transfer window opens, it seems there is an opportunity for West Ham to strike a deal with City for the youngster.
It now remains to be seen if Tim Steidten can pull it off amid competition from the likes of Crystal Palace.
In other West Ham news, this manager with 15 trophies is in contention to replace Lopetegui after recently being spotted in London.
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