Manchester City expected to block January transfer for midfielder wanted by Premier League rivals

Recruitment bosses at Manchester City are expected to block the departure of James McAtee during the upcoming winter market, amid growing interest in the player.

Pep Guardiola insisted upon the Manchester City academy graduate remaining as part of his first-team squad this season, despite significant loan interest from elsewhere in European competition, including from the likes of Ajax and Feyenoord.

McAtee had returned to the Etihad Stadium following back-to-back loan spells with Sheffield United, aiding the Blades in their Premier League promotion and succumbing to immediate relegation the season after.

In turn, McAtee has spoken highly of Guardiola following the faith put in him by the legendary coach, stating during the summer, “He’s the best manager in the world so any praise from him is amazing. It’s about getting my head down and prove him right.”

But after a lack of opportunities during the opening months of the season, despite grabbing his first senior goal for the club coming in the UEFA Champions League, interest has grown in the player from across the Premier League to try and take advantage of his situation.

Nevertheless, according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City are reluctant to let James McAtee leave the club in January, amid interest from the likes of West Ham United and Fulham.

It is explained that City bosses are reluctant to further weaken their squad amid an ongoing battle against fitness and injury problems, with the 22-year-old highly regarded at the Etihad Stadium despite his lack of first-team action so far this season.

Despite a clear lack of opportunities so far, Pep Guardiola has continued to insist during recent press conferences that James McAtee is ready to start the more competitive of Manchester City’s cross-competition fixtures, especially amid growing fitness concerns in the squad.

“Yes, it can happen,” Guardiola responded prior to the international break when quizzed on McAtee’s readiness to start. “We don’t have much players. Always it’s difficult when you don’t play much minutes but the rhythm and pace was really, really good and of course, he’s there.”

Manchester City return to action on Saturday evening as they welcome Tottenham to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, with the hosts also inviting Rodri back to the club to present his historic Ballon d’Or achievement to the club’s support prior to kick-off.