Manchester City reject £30 million proposal for midfielder eyeing place in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad

Premier League champions Manchester City have given off a clear show of trust through the transfer market in Academy graduate James McAtee ahead of the new season.

Transfer bosses at the Etihad Stadium are currently focussed on how best to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s options ahead of the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with central midfield being a key area of the squad to review.

Following Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer to FC Barcelona, City secured the services of Croatia international Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, however there remains the possibility that not only could Guardiola require more options in the middle of the park, but that more names could yet leave the club in the coming weeks.

Doubts remain over the future of Bernardo Silva, who is weighing up his options while on holiday in the Maldives, as his representatives entertain interest from Saudi Arabia, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.

Should City lose the Portugal international in the coming weeks, then they could re-enter the market for a replacement, but regardless of that outcome, the club are currently standing firm on their beliefs in the talents of on Academy graduate fresh off the back of a stellar loan spell.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Etihad Stadium officials have turned away ‘serious’ offers for James McAtee, with the midfielder looking to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad during the coming campaign.

After playing a starring role in Sheffield United’s successful Premier League promotion-winning season during a loan spell, the 20-year-old has attracted even more attention over a possible loan or permanent deal, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs said to be keen.

In a significant development however, the Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester City have ‘rebuffed’ all interest in the England youth international, despite the potential for some buyers to hit a £30 million transfer fee for McAtee.

Across the course of the 2022/23 season, James McAtee registered a staggering 43 appearances across all competitions for Sheffield United, scoring nine goals and providing a further four assists in that time.

McAtee progressed through Manchester City’s youth system from the under-11 age group right through to their Elite Development Squad or under-21s, before signing his first professional contract with the club back in 2020.

The Salford-born playmaker made his senior City debut back in September 2021, in a Carabao Cup home win over Wycombe Wanderers, since featuring five times as a substitute across the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

Follow City Xtra on Threads here: threads.net/@city_xtra