West Ham United in James McAtee transfer twist, Man City open doors
West Ham United will find it "difficult" to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee in the winter transfer window, according to GiveMeSport.
The news outlet reports (16 January) that the Hammers are monitoring the 22-year-old's situation, but restricted finances will make a possible approach challenging.
McAtee wants to leave the Cityzens in the coming weeks, and they are open to cashing in on the English playmaker if their demands are met before the 3 February deadline.
West Ham United should not make James McAtee transfer focus
Graham Potter has taken over the Irons while they are in turmoil after the underwhelming spell of Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
The former Brighton boss has been handed a squad that was unable to show its full potential in the first half of the season.
Over the next few transfer windows, the English manager will likely want to make a few changes in personnel and stamp his authority at the Hammers.
Edson Alvarez could potentially leave after struggling over the last few months, and Guido Rodriguez has also failed to convince many.
Carlos Soler has been a bright spark under Potter, but it remains to be seen whether West Ham will make his loan move permanent.
The Hammers will evidently need to sell some players and make additions to their engine room soon, but the winter window is arguably not the right time to do so.
If McAtee stays at Man City until the summer, the Irons should make a concrete approach then.
In other West Ham news, an offer for Mergim Berisha has emerged as a new transfer is being readied.