West Ham transfer news as Leverkusen twist emerges on Man City ace James McAtee
West Ham are set to face a battle to secure the services of James McAtee in the January transfer window with Bayer Leverkusen the latest side registered with interest, according to Simon Jones and Jack Gaughan.
The pair wrote in the print edition of The Daily Mail (31 December, page 59) that the German Champions have taken a keen interest in the 22-year-old to prepare for the potential departure of Florian Wirtz from the club.
As well as Bundesliga champions Leverkusen, interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Newcastle United suggests that the race to gain the attacking player’s services will be a tight one next month, with the report suggesting City value McAtee at around £25million.
West Ham will have a fight to get James McAtee
The Hammers have been credited with interest in McAtee for some time now and understandably so, as the 22-year-old would no doubt be a great addition to any side he joins.
However, Julen Lopetegui’s side will have a number of battles ahead of them before any deal can be reached it seems.
Although the young player was said to be frustrated at his lack of game time with the Champions, Pep Guardiola brought him on against Leicester City on Sunday and the midfielder fitted into the side well.
As a result, Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne were full of praise for the youngster which could mean a U-turn from the club who were previously willing to sell [Mail on Sunday, 29 December] may see if he has a future at The Etihad first.
However, even if an exit is still on the cards, the addition of Leverkusen into the mix could be a threat for any other sides that are wanting the player with manager Xabi Alonso having been managed by Guardiola at Bayern Munich which could therefore prioritise the striking of a deal between these two parties first.
Nevertheless, this is one for the Irons to continue pushing for as they know McAtee would add to their attacking efforts and the East London outfit could guarantee giving the youngster the minute’s he craves which could tip the balance for him at this stage.
In other West Ham news, Micah Richards was shocked by what happened against Liverpool.
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