Phil SumblerThe chase for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee appears to be over after Wales Online reported that the Premier League champions were set to keep two Swansea targets at the Ethiad Stadium this season.
McAtee and Josh Wilson-Esbrand have both been targets this window for the Swans with discussions taking place with the representatives of the former as one of three clubs – along with QPR and Rangers – who looked to take him on loan.
There has been much speculation this window about whether McAtee in particular would be allowed out on loan. He has become part of the first team squad in recent weeks and it has been reported that the hierarchy at the Ethiad feel that his development would be better served around the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva than getting more regular football in the Championship.
The Swans were thought to be at the forefront of the queue should they decide to allow him to leave on loan but Wales Online quote a ‘recruiment source’ as telling them that he will be staying at the Ethiad unless they decide to recruit new players which seems unlikely.
The same is being said for Josh Wilson-Esbrand who was linked with the Swans back in December at the same time as Finely Burns, who was confirmed as joining the Swans on loan yesterday.
Described by City as a “Powerful, marauding left-back” he joined the Premier League champions in 2019 from West Ham. He made his first team debut earlier this season in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe.
McAtee scored the winner for City’s Under-23s against Chelsea on Monday, a game in which Wilson-Esbrand was withdrawn due to injury after just 16 minutes.
