Tottenham have set their sights on a Manchester City youngster, but they will have to contend with competition from Premier League rivals as well as clubs from across Europe for the player.
While Tottenham Hotspur have made moves to strengthen their midfield by triggering the release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract, the deal is in danger of falling apart.
Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against an ‘alleged illegal’ approach from Tottenham in the Gibbs-White deal. So, it remains to be seen how quickly a resolution is found to that sticky situation.
Several outlets have claimed that strengthening in central midfield is one of Thomas Frank’s priorities this summer, and given Tottenham’s shortage of homegrown players, English midfielders such as Hayden Hackney and Jacob Ramsey have been mooted as targets.
Earlier this summer, GiveMeSport reported Tottenham had set their sights on Man City starlet James McAtee.
The 22-year-old emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the EFL during his two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, before playing 27 times for Man City last season.
James McAtee will be allowed to leave Man City as Tottenham and Everton circle
Fabrizio Romano has now taken to social media to reveal that McAtee will be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
However, he claims that even though the midfielder has just a year left on his contract, Man City will demand £20m-£25m for his services.
Romano further adds that clubs from across the Premier League are interested in McAtee, while German and Italian clubs are also keeping an eye on the youngster, with Atalanta being well-informed of the situation.
Ironically, Nottingham Forest have also been named as an interested party, while West Ham are also keen on the Man City man. However, journalist Ben Jacobs says the fee is expected to be closer to around £40m.
Everton have made the first move for McAtee
While James McAtee is on the radar of many sides, it is Everton who appear to have made the first move for the Manchester City starlet’s services.
This is according to The i Paper, who reveal that the Toffees have been in contact with Man City over a potential deal for McAtee. Spurs are not mentioned in this particular update.
The publication also puts the midfielder’s value at £25m and adds that David Moyes is a big admirer of the England Under-21 international and is keen to take him to Merseyside.