‘James McAtee set for Nottingham Forest audition as he leaves Man City’
Nottingham Forest are one of a number of top clubs sending scouts to the UEFA Euro U-21 tournament to watch Man City star James McAtee.
That 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 the 22-year-old will have the chance to impress suitors in Lee Carsley’s side.
England’s Under-21 side are aiming to defend their title two years after a 1-0 win over Spain in 2023, with their first game against Czechia on 12 June.
Brown told Football Insider in May that Forest are considering a move to sign McAtee and have been keeping an eye on his situation at the Etihad.
The attacking midfielder will captain his side at the U-21 Euros, with scouts flying out to take notes of his performances ahead of a potential move.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that McAtee will not be a Man City player at the start of next season and is not in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Nottingham Forest line up new James McAtee transfer mission
Brown told Football Insider in April that Guardiola has green-lit McAtee’s sale and does not view him as part of his first-team plans at the Etihad.
The former scout, who remains very well-connected within the game after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Forest will be among a number of clubs considering luring him away.
“A lot of clubs are going to be watching James McAtee,” he told Football Insider.
“The likes of Nottingham Forest, who we’ve spoken about before, and a load of others will be sending scouts to the Under-21s Euros to have a look.
“They’ve scouted him before, but they’ll be watching to see just what he is capable of.
“It’s generally known that he will be leaving Man City this summer, so clubs are on alert.
“They don’t see him being a part of their first-team, but he is a sellable asset.
“It’s an audition for him, if you like, because if he impresses there are going to be teams who take note and are potentially pushed to make a move.”
Oscar Bobb update emerges as clubs race for loan deal
McAtee is not the only Man City star on the radar at the City Ground, as Forest are among a number of clubs interested in signing Oscar Bobb.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 June that Forest and Crystal Palace are considering signing Bobb on loan for next season following his recovery from a broken leg.
Rayan Cherki’s expected arrival from Lyon will only push the winger further down the pecking order, and City are keen for him to play regular Premier League football elsewhere.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 9 June that Man City will accept loan offers for Bobb as he is not likely to feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
For more Nottingham Forest and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.