Manchester City have reportedly rejected approaches for young midfielder James McAtee this summer.
McAtee is one of City’s most highly-rated academy graduates, but he spent last season on loan at Sheffield United.
City and Pep Guardiola did not want to loan the youngster out, as they felt he had a clear pathway to the first team.
However, the Salford-born midfielder was keen to play regular first-team minutes and insisted on a move.
McAtee impressed at Bramall Lane, scoring nine goals and providing three assists as Sheffield United clinched promotion to the Premier League.
Having underlined his talent in the Championship, McAtee has travelled to Japan as part of City’s pre-season tour and will try to convince Guardiola that he deserves regular first-team minutes this season.
Wolves want McAtee
However, it wasn’t just McAtee’s parent club who were reminded of his potential.
Several clubs have shown an interest in signing the England youth international, both on loan and permanently.
City are reluctant to sanction a move at present and certainly don’t want to sell the youngster, described as a ‘special player’ by Guardiola.
It has previously been reported that the Blues rejected a £30m offer for McAtee.
Now, it appears that City have turned down both loan and purchase offers from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
As reported in the Daily Mail’s Transfer Confidential newsletter, Wolves are expected to sell Daniel Podence this summer amid interest from European and Saudi Arabian clubs.
Julen Lopetegui’s side view McAtee as a potential replacement, and have asked about signing him on loan or on a permanent deal.
According to the Mail, “the 20-year-old is not short of admirers following his loan spell at Sheffield United last season, who also remain keen.”
MCN view: City should get McAtee involved this season
After a season developing in the Championship, now is the perfect time for Guardiola to integrate McAtee into his side.
While Ilkay Gundogan has been replaced by Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva’s future remains uncertain.
Looking further ahead, McAtee could be groomed to be a long-term replacement for Kevin de Bruyne.
For that to happen, he needs to start playing regularly for Guardiola’s side.
