Journalist Conor McGilligan has expressed his excitement after Leeds United were linked with a move for James McAtee.
According to a recent report in The Athletic, the Whites are believed to be ‘very keen’ on a move for the Manchester City midfielder – and he could be used as a way of getting the Kalvin Phillips transfer over the line.
Reacting to the news while talking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan couldn’t help but outline just how happy he’d been with the claim, calling it an ‘exciting’ update.
He said: “There’s been a lot of talk about James McAtee. Now, James McAtee is a Manchester City midfielder in the Under-23s.
“And it’s exciting this one, because McAtee is a really, really decent player.”
Should Leeds make a move to sign James McAtee this summer?
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TIF Thoughts on James McAtee and Leeds…
It does look as though City will really push to get a transfer for Phillips over the line this summer, with another Citizens youngster in Liam Delap also tentatively touted as a possible option for a swap deal of late.
As an alternative option, McAtee certainly seems to be an exciting prospect. Indeed, Pep Guardiola offered his verdict on the player (via the Manchester Evening News), saying: “Macca is quite calm and a guy who is in a good direction.
“He knows the rhythm. He has the quality but has to understand the position a bit better.”
Still only 19 years of age, the teen has played just six times for the senior City side, but it’s clear to see just how much McGilligan rates him.
It should be interesting to see if any possible transfer to Leeds hinges on what happens with Phillips, or if Jesse Marsch and co chase McAtee regardless.