This is why James McAtee plans to snub West Ham as big-money offer lined up
James McAtee is prepared to snub interest from West Ham despite a big-money offer being lined up, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hammers are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old's situation at the City Ground after what proved to be a frustrating first season sine his £30million move last summer.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are undergoing big changes this summer following the appointment of Oliver Glasner, leading to suggestions the midfielder could become available.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, McAtee is not interested in moving to the Championship club and prefers to stay at Forest.
That is despite West Ham lining up a significant offer, with the money raised from the sale of Mateus Fernandes likely to be reinvested into their squad this summer.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bolster his squad with key additions, but after their relegation from the Premier League, they have been dealt a blow in their efforts.
Could James McAtee leave Nottingham Forest this summer?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that McAtee could look to move abroad after a poor start to life at Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder had the option to move to the Bundesliga before his City Ground switch, but sources say he is keen to remain at Forest and prove himself under new management.
He remains committed to developing his game in the Premier League, and despite a previous spell with Sheffield United, has no plans to drop into the Championship with West Ham.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I'm sure Oliver Glasner will be looking to cast an eye over him once he gets into Nottingham Forest.
"McAtee, although he didn't play regularly for Forest last year, I'm sure he will be hoping to have a bigger impact for them in this upcoming season.
"The appeal of dropping down to the Championship might not be something that would be a big factor for McAtee as well, I'm sure he sees himself as a Premier League player.
"West Ham obviously have got money to spend, they've sold Mateus Fernandes and potentially other players also leaving as well.
"But it's going to be a difficult deal for them to do even with big money available, when you consider the player's stance and Nottingham Forest aren't pushing him out of the door.
"McAtee is a top player and he's proved that before at Sheffield United and at Man City, but he's under a long-term contract at Forest and the price tag could be prohibitive for West Ham."
How do Nottingham Forest feel about selling McAtee?
Despite McAtee's intentions to stay at Nottingham Forest beyond the transfer window, a disappointing season at the City Ground has led to questions about his future.
There have been some suggestions that Forest could look to cut their losses on the midfielder in an attempt to raise funds and clear space in their squad.
However, Football Insider revealed on 11 July that Glasner plans to assess McAtee in pre-season training, with the potential of him becoming part of his squad for the upcoming season.
Despite starting just two Premier League games for Forest since his move, Glasner is believed to be a big fan, and wanted to sign him for Crystal Palace last summer.
While a deal will not be completely ruled out, and could take place later in the window, the new manager is keen to assess his level before accepting any offers.