Exclusive
DOWN TO A TEE
Man City star James McAtee lined up for dream Champions League transfer after Sheffield United relegation
See which other Prem club also want him
MANCHESTER CITY’S Spanish ‘cousins’ Girona are keen to take James McAtee on loan — and give him Champions League football.
The midfielder, 21, is back from a second spell at Sheffield United.
1
And he is also wanted by old City youth coach Enzo Maresca at Leicester City - although he now looks set to take over at Chelsea.
But Girona, who are part of the City Group of clubs, want McAtee.
They could now offer him a dream move to LaLiga with the prospect of European football thrown in.
McAtee needs game time to stay sharp and keep his transfer value high, so Girona has a lot of appeal to all parties.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
The Foxes have previously tried for McAtee before.
However, he opted to choose the Blades instead 12 months ago.
Leicester are also an ideal home for him but will probably be in a survival fight in the top flight.
City will make the big decision this summer and hope McAtee agrees.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
The star has already appeared in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.
But he left the Etihad to continue his progress with Sheffield United firstly in 2022.
Talented but Troubled: Football Prodigies Who Lost Their Way
McAtee played a key role in helping them to secure promotion from the Championship during his first season there.
And he also helped them to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
That led to him deciding to go back to Bramall Lane for another loan stint last season.
But it proved to be a miserable campaign in the top-flight for both him and the Blades.
United finished rock bottom of the table and won just three times all season in the league.
Paul Heckingbottom was sacked and replaced by Chris Wilder, but that change failed to stop them from conceding a record 104 goals.
McAtee made 33 appearances in all competitions for the South Yorkshire club, scoring five times.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Girona, meanwhile, secured Champions League qualification for the first time earlier this month.
They finished third in LaLiga behind Barcelona and champions Real Madrid to reach Europe’s most-prestigious competition next term.
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Bayern Munich line up sensational transfer for Jack Grealish to team up with Harry Kane under ex-Man City star Vincent Kompany
Aston Villa are reportedly close to resigning Ross Barkley on a permandent basis.
Arsenal 'want to sign a new striker BEFORE their pre-season tour'.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
Topics