Leeds ‘dealt blow in James McAtee chase’, his preferred destination revealed
Leeds United have been alerted to the potential availability of Nottingham Forest star James McAtee but could miss out on his signature.
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 23-year-old is assessing his options ahead of the January transfer window.
McAtee joined Forest from Man City in a deal worth up to £30million in the summer, but he has failed to make his name at the City Ground.
As a result, a number of clubs both in the Premier League and in Europe have been made aware of his situation and are assessing whether to make a move in January.
However, there is a growing feeling that the Man City academy product could opt to move to a European club instead of staying in the Premier League.
James McAtee backed to leave Nottingham Forest
Brown told Football Insider in July that McAtee should snub English clubs in favour of a move abroad, with a host of Bundesliga clubs showing an interest at the time.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that a move abroad could now be favourable amid interest from Strasbourg.
“Leeds have been made aware of McAtee’s situation,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s not getting games at Forest and it doesn’t look like he’s part of the plans there, so it looks like they could let him go in January.
“The question then becomes whether he will stay in the Premier League, because I’ve always had my doubts about his ability at this level.
“He did well for Sheffield United in the Championship, but Man City didn’t rate him especially highly, and unfortunately I’m not surprised he’s struggled at Forest.
“I don’t see why that would change at all if he went to Leeds, so from his point of view, I think he will want to step away from the Premier League.
“There is interest from abroad, Strasbourg have been spoken about, and I think that’s the type of move which would suit him a lot more.
“There’s less intensity and pressure over there, it will give him the space to develop his game. I don’t think he’d get that if he went to Leeds.”
Leeds United set sights on alternative January targets
Leeds had been keen to land a new striker in the mid-season window, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring exploits have eased those concerns.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Leeds are prioritising other key areas of the squad rather than a new striker thanks to their recent goalscoring exploits.
Instead, they will look to a new winger and attacking midfielder to bolster Daniel Farke’s attacking options, with McAtee one of the names on their radar.
Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Leeds are concerned about their attacking options, and could look to bolster their squad in January.
Missing out on McAtee, while it will come as a blow, is unlikely to put a major dent in their plans with a number of potential alternatives being assessed.
For more Leeds United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.