Phil SumblerJames McAtee made a five minute appearance for Manchester City in their 3-0 victory over Everton at the weekend and was on the receiving end of some strong praise from his manager and media pundits alike.
McAtee was revealed to be a loan target of the Swans during the last international break but it is being reported that the Premier League champions want to tie down one of their hottest prospects to an extended contract before they consider a loan move elsewhere.
McAtee has just 18 months left to run on his contract and it is believed that talks are at an advanced stage to extend that before City decide on the best route for his future together with fending off interest from cross city rivals Manchester United.
It has also been suggested that they may decide to keep him at the Ethiad so he can train with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne on a regular basis and learn from some of City’s stars along the way.
Speaking after the 3-0 win over Everton Sky pundit Gary Neville was full of praise for McAtee and fellow City youngster Cole Palmer: “It’s not an academy, it’s a cloning system. They’re like clones, they’re all the same. It’s almost like David Silva’s left them all behind!”
Man City boss Pep Guardiola was delighted with the contribution of Palmer, to whom he handed a first league start and McAtee who replaced Palmer late on “It is an incredible investment for the club and the future. Very pleased and with the few minutes James McAtee played as well,” he said after the game.
Should City decide to let McAtee leave on loan in January then it is likely that they will face competition for his services – interesting times ahead.
