Manchester City Reject Nottingham Forest’s £25m Bid for James McAtee

Manchester City have said no to a £25 million offer from Nottingham Forest for James McAtee. Talks between the teams are ongoing as the transfer window heats up.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Nottingham Forest offered £25 million to sign James McAtee from Manchester City, but their offer was rejected. Forest want to sign the young England Under-21 star, having finished seventh in the Premier League last season, which secured them European football this campaign. McAtee, who recently made only 15 appearances with 3 league starts for Manchester City last season, has just one year left on his contract. While Manchester City were thought to be open to letting him go and expected to do business for around £20-25 million, recent reports suggest they are now demanding more money as competition grows from teams around Europe, with talks indicating a potential transfer fee of between £20-25 million as confirmed by sources.

WHY FOREST WANT MCATEE

Nottingham Forest want to add depth and creativity to their attack under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. McAtee, a versatile midfielder, is expected to fit their requirements after a strong showing at the Under-21 Euros, where he recently captained England to success. His signing could also reinstate some of the attacking threat that Anthony Elanga provided before his move to Newcastle. Forest have an ambitious project on their hands as they prepare for European football and try to break into the top four in the Premier League, after finishing just one point behind the last Champions League spot last season.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE TRANSFER SAGA?

Forest will hope to tie up a deal for McAtee soon. City, however, have been linked with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, and are in no rush to let McAtee go, especially for a discounted price. Reports indicate that McAtee could be forced to wait until the end of the transfer window for clarity on his future, as he may be closing in on a move to clubs like Atalanta according to sources.