James McAtee backed to complete Man City move - Transfer expert

James McAtee could push to leave Man City ahead of the January transfer window given his lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that "a lot" of clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress since his time at Sheffield United.

Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Crystal Palace are among the clubs plotting a move to sign the attacking midfielder in January.

However, City have been reluctant to let the 22-year-old leave after seeing the success Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have had since leaving the Etihad.

As a result, McAtee could be forced to push for a move away from the Etihad as he is keen to play more regular first-team football at this stage of his career.

Brown explained that a move away from the Etihad would be the next step in McAtee's development after his work at Sheffield United and in training with City.

James McAtee backed to leave Man City in January

McAtee has featured just eight times so far this season, totalling just 333 minutes, although over half of his playing time has come in two Carabao Cup appearances.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player development and recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the attacking midfielder must now leave Man City for his own good.

"There are a lot of interested clubs after his loan spell at Sheffield United," he told Football Insider.

"He benefited a lot from that move, and then training with the top players at City will have helped develop his game even without playing.

"But now he's going to look to leave City in January, because he needs to play regular football.

"That's the next stage for his growth as a player, to make that move away and test himself.

"From City's point of view, they might be worried because of what the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have done since they left.

"So I understand they've been reluctant to let him go, but if he's not going to play, he could push for the move because he has got to play football."

In other news, Man City plan to accept Jack Grealish offer.

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