Sources: Manchester City midfielder now ready for move as five PL clubs and Celtic circle

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that one of Manchester City’s most exciting young midfielders is ready to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League quintet Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Fulham and West Ham United are all keen on said Citizens player, as are Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

In addition, there is strong interest from the continent, with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta are also in pursuit.

With the January transfer window opening in just a few days’ time, interested clubs won’t have to wait long before getting the race under way.

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James McAtee ready to leave Manchester City amid interest from Premier League quintet

TBR Football correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that James McAtee has told Manchester City he is ready to leave the Etihad Stadium.

The 22-year-old was expected to be heavily involved for the Citizens this term after enjoying a successful pre-season.

However, McAtee has made just seven appearances, of which there has been just one start.

TBR Football has been told that City would like to keep McAtee, but Pep Guardiola has always stressed he will not stop any player who wants to leave.

Guardiola has allowed young prospects like Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Jeremie Frimpong to leave as they looked for first-team football.

TBR Football has previously revealed that Bayer Leverkusen are keen on McAtee, and along with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, the interest in Germany is very strong.

Italian clubs Atalanta, Fiorentina and Bologna are also keen on the Man City man.

There is interest in England and we can confirm that Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Fulham and West Ham are amongst the teams to like him.

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have also made enquiries.

Sources have confirmed to TBR Football that City would rather not lose McAtee in January.

However, with Oscar Bobb set for a return from injury in January, McAtee could get the chance to move on.

James McAtee factfile

McAtee has come through the ranks at Man City and made his debut in 2021, though he has only clocked up 13 competitive appearances for the club overall.

The 22-year-old took in two loans at Sheffield United in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, making 75 outings and registering 14 goals and eight assists.

Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig compared McAtee to James Rodriguez in 2021, while scouting outlet Breaking the Lines sung the Man City man’s praises in 2022.

Breaking the Lines wrote: “It’s clear from watching clips of McAtee that he is destined for the big time, an attacking midfielder that makes everything he does on the ball look effortless and second nature.

“Always able to find the ball in the centre of the pitch, McAtee’s skillset as a player allows him to create chances in the blink of an eye – whether it be through running at the opposition with a purposeful surge or unlocking a defence with a clever flick catching others off-guard, McAtee always seems to have the answers going forward.

“He’s routinely one step ahead of others on the pitch, twisting and turning before a killer pass is found or a shot is unleashed at goal.

“He is a goal-scorer too, scoring eight times from only 23 appearances in the 2020-21 season and netting in a memorable 3-2 triumph over Chelsea that same campaign in the FA Youth Cup final.

“His range of goals shows off his ability to finish gilt-edge opportunities in the box but further his ability to score an outlandish strike from a free-kick or a long-range effort after a blistering surge up the field.

“He’s not one-dimensional in that sense, not a player who showboats for the sake of it.”