(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 26 March 2026 13:15, UK

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Leeds United are among the clubs plotting a move to sign Nottingham Forest star James McAtee ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impression at the City Ground since his £25million move from Man City last summer and could be moved on already.

Having played under four different managers, the attacking midfielder has been unable to establish himself amid the turmoil of a relegation battle.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds have been long-term admirers of McAtee and could provide him with a way out of Forest.

However, there are doubts about whether he would want to remain in the Premier League as Leeds make steps towards ambitious summer transfer plans.

Leeds United set sights on James McAtee deal

Brown told Football Insider on 18 March that McAtee could be allowed to leave Nottingham Forest this summer as Vitor Pereira has become the latest to snub him.

The Man City academy graduate has made just ten Premier League appearances all season, with just one start to his name, and is not expected to stick around.

Leeds are aiming to continue making improvements to their squad should they stay in the Premier League and could capitalise on their long-term target’s situation.

“Leeds have been long-term admirers of McAtee,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They missed out last season when he went to Nottingham Forest, but obviously things haven’t worked out there so he could be available this summer.

“Whether he will be as keen on that move, I’m not sure, because he hasn’t ever managed to impress in the Premier League when he’s been away from Man City.

“I had my doubts when I used to watch him at Sheffield United, and then he went to City and did okay when he was called upon, but it’s easy going it at City.

“The real challenge has been whether he can go to Nottingham Forest and make them a better side, and he hasn’t been able to do that.

“So then what makes Leeds think he would do it for them?

“From his point of view, I expect a move to a European club might suit his game better where he has a bit more time to show off his technial abilities.

“Leeds will be interested because they’ve been after him for a while, but I’m not sure it would be the right move for them or for him.”

Where is McAtee’s preferred destination?

Leeds have been long-term admirers of the England Under-21 international, having tried and failed to bring him in last summer, and could make a fresh move for him.

However, Brown previously told Football Insider that McAtee could snub a move to Leeds in favour of going abroad to test himself in Europe.

A number of Ligue 1 and Bundesliga clubs have been interested in his situation since he left Man City and could tempt him to make the step this summer.

The likes of Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen are believed to have been keen on him at different stages in the last year, and his potential availability could put them on alert.

McAtee is believed to be keen to step away from the Premier League and follow the path taken by the likes of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.