Manchester City prospect James McAtee attracts interest from Premier League rivals

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City prospect James McAtee is attracting interest from Premier League rivals
He produced another match-winning display for the club's U23s on Monday
His strike in the 1-0 win over Chelsea sent City to the top of Premier League 2
It also took his tally for the season to 14, ahead of Arsenal's Folarin Balogun
Now Brighton, Leicester City and Aston Villa are all keen on the 19-year-old

Published: 08:18 EDT, 25 January 2022 | Updated: 08:18 EDT, 25 January 2022

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Manchester City prospect James McAtee is attracting interest from Premier League rivals after another match-winning display for the club's U23s on Monday night.

McAtee's strike in the 1-0 win over Chelsea sent City to the top of Premier League 2 and took his goals tally for the season to 14, ahead of Arsenal's Folarin Balogun, now on loan at Middlesbrough and Dilan Markanday who left Tottenham for Blackburn last week.

More importantly, McAtee's performance in the number ten role caught the eye of watching scouts once again.

Manchester City prospect James McAtee is attracting interest from Premier League rivals

McAtee scored against Chelsea to see them win 1-0 and go top of Premier League 2 table (file photo used)

Likened by Sky pundit Gary Neville to former City star David Silva in style, Brighton, Leicester City and Aston Villa are all keen on the creative 19-year-old who has yet to agree a new contract at City.

He has just 18 months left on his current deal and Championship sides Bournemouth, QPR, Blackburn and Swansea City are among those who would like to take him on loan.

McAtee's strike against Chelsea also took his goals tally for the season to 14, ahead of Arsenal's Folarin Balogun (left), now on loan at Middlesbrough

Pep Guardiola has mentioned the talented youngster regularly to underline that he is keeping a close check on his development and has involved McAtee with the first team squad

Pep Guardiola has mentioned the talented youngster regularly to underline that he is keeping a close check on his development and has involved McAtee with the first team squad, coming off the bench to make three appearances this season.

However, it's understandable that McAtee is itching to kick on after seeing the likes of Cole Palmer and predecessor Phil Foden takes strides forward in their careers.

Guardiola and City have asked McAtee to be patient as he continues to learn from those around him but the prospect of playing first team football regularly is a big attraction amid interest from the likes of Brighton and the clubs in the Championship.