Ajax target Manchester City midfielder as Mohammed Kudus replacement

Manchester City’s James McAtee has emerged as a target for Ajax, who are lining up a replacement for Mohammed Kudus amid interest from two Premier League clubs.

The 20-year-old could still leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, with a host of clubs from across England and Europe interested in signing the Englishman either permanently or on a season-long loan.

McAtee helped Sheffield United return to the top-flight with an impressive campaign at Bramall Lane last season, making 43 appearances and being directly involved in 13 goals.

The Blades remain interested in bringing the midfielder back to Yorkshire this season, alongside Wolves, Brighton, Real Sociedad, Southampton, Celtic, Sheffield United and AZ Alkmaar.

McAtee, who made a cameo appearance against Burnley, scored for Manchester City during a pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich last month, however the midfielder didn’t feature in the FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal.

The 20-year-old was named as part of Pep Guardiola’s 22-man squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla in Greece, with the opportunity for minutes amid the absence of midfield duo Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.

Manchester City are looking to sign a new midfielder during the closing weeks of the transfer window after De Bruyne suffered a devastating hamstring injury, sidelining the Belgian for potentially four months.

The 32-year-olds injury could offer McAtee a fresh chance to feature as part of Guardiola’s squad on a consistent basis, although the midfielder could still leave the club this summer.

Fabrizio Romano exclusively reports that Ajax have joined the growing list of clubs interested in signing the Englishman this summer, with the Dutch side set to approach Manchester City regarding conditions of a potential transfer.

Ajax consider McAtee as a replacement for midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who is heavily linked with a potential move either Brighton or West Ham.

Coincidentally, the Hammers see Kudus as their ideal replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who is Manchester City’s number one midfield target.

The Blues have already seen a verbal offer of £70 million rejected by West Ham and are set to imminently return with a fresh bid.

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