Leeds United have bargaining chip for James McAtee transfer after developments
Leeds United must not give up their chase of James McAtee despite West Ham entering the race to sign him from Manchester City.
According to GIVEMESPORT [2 December], the Irons, as well as Crystal Palace, are “desperate” to have a chance to hold talks over the signing of the England Under-21s international.
The East London outfit are increasingly hopeful of a deal being possible in the January transfer window as City consider a U-turn on their previous stance of not wanting to sell the midfielder.
Daniel Farke will not be pleased to see the Premier League clubs in the mix for McAtee, but the Whites may have a bargaining chip.
Leeds have bargaining chip to beat West Ham in James McAtee transfer race
One of the hardest challenges in a transfer race is convincing the player in question to join your club over the competitor.
In McAtee’s case, the Yorkshire-based club only have to point towards Luis Guilherme’s situation at the London Stadium to send a message across.
The Hammers forked out £25million to sign the 18-year-old from Palmeiras in the summer [The Guardian], but have restricted him to just 11 minutes of Premier League action this season.
With one of the oldest squads in the top flight [Transfermarkt], West Ham clearly do not offer a platform for young players to prosper.
Leeds, on the other hand, are being led by a 24-year-old Ethan Ampadu, when fit, as they march towards earning promotion.
Furthermore, McAtee has the chance to go straight into Farke’s starting lineup, with Brenden Aaronson struggling in the advanced midfield role.
From the Whites’ perspective, a loan deal with a clause to make it permanent depending on their promotion for the left-footer would be sensible.
In other Leeds news, a sports broadcaster has raised concerns over another Whites transfer rumour that he has heard.
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