Manchester City star James McAtee is Bayer Leverkusen’s top target this summer – with Bundesliga champions’ Florian Wirtz on Pep Guardiola’s radar
- Mail Sport revealed in December that the German champions were pursuing him
- City are among the front runners for Wirtz but Liverpool also hold an interest
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Can INEOS really be judged after 12 months?
Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is Bayer Leverkusen’s No 1 target this summer should they agree to sell Florian Wirtz.
Mail Sport revealed in December that the German champions were pursuing the 22-year old McAtee and they made a formal approach in January only to be rebuffed by City.
However, with Pep Guardiola’s side among those pursuing Leverkusen talisman Florian Wirtz this summer, the Germans are actively seeking a playmaker who could fill the void and they are prepared to push for McAtee in any negotiations with City.
The 22-year old is well-regarded by Guardiola and was the first substitute the City boss turned to against Real Madrid in midweek and Sunday’s defeat by Liverpool.
McAtee, who has one year left on contract this summer, has made no secret of his desire to nail down a regular place in City’s first team but competition in the attacking midfield positions is fierce. City could well lose Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne this summer but McAtee is attracted by the prospect of regular first-team football.
City are among the front runners for Wirtz who at 21 is slightly younger than McAtee and has already established himself in the German national side.
Man City midfielder James McAtee is the primary target for Bayer Leverkusen this summer
It comes with City also interested in Florian Wirtz – who they see as a player who could fit seamlessly into their style
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has been touted as a possible successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid this summer and they are another club keen on Wirtz, as are Liverpool, but Jude Bellingham is well established in that role there.
City see Wirtz as a player who could fit seamlessly into their style and Leverkusen will consider asking for McAtee as part of any talks.
Meanwhile, Argentina midfielder Claudio Echeverri is due to link up with his new team-mates at City after arriving in England.
The 19-year old was signed by City from River Plate last year but remained in Argentina on loan.
Another playmaker, he captained Argentina in the recent South American U20 Championships.
