Leeds United to enter January with fingers crossed after Manchester City update
James McAtee’s future being dependent on Manchester City’s incomings will leave Leeds United hopeful they can still sign the midfielder.
Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon (22 December) that City will keep hold of McAtee unless a replacement for the 22-year-old is signed, leaving Leeds at risk of missing out on him in January.
The Whites are looking to loan the playmaker for the rest of the season as they look to seal promotion, but are far from the only club interested, with West Ham keen to offer McAtee Premier League minutes.
However, with City unwilling to let their young midfielder depart without a new player coming in simultaneously, Daniel Farke’s side face a waiting game over McAtee’s availability in January.
Leeds United must prepare for James McAtee transfer battle
City’s transfer strategy regarding McAtee will have left many clubs other than the Whites on high alert, given just how talented the England Under-21s international has shown he can be.
Farke’s side are well-placed in the battle for promotion back to the Premier League, but still trail leaders Sheffield United by three points and have an evident issue in the playmaking department to solve.
McAtee’s first loan spell at Bramall Lane saw him become their talisman and a key cog of their successful promotion push, also impressing in the Premier League despite the Blades coming straight back down.
Georginio Rutter’s £40million departure to Brighton late last summer has left a void which the Whites are still yet to properly fill, despite Brenden Aaronson being a regular and impressing in attacking midfield.
If City do sanction a loan deal until the end of the season, they may prefer to see McAtee move a Premier League or top-flight side, but if the Peacocks do snag him, they could become one very soon indeed.
In other Leeds news, Elland Road sources have responded to reports that Red Bull’s influence may increase at Elland Road.
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