James McAtee is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war, with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest pushing hardest to sign the Manchester City midfielder.
Both Premier League clubs had been hoping to agree a deal in the region of £20 million to £25 million, but City’s £35 million valuation is proving to be a major stumbling block.
According to reports from The Telegraph, West Ham and Forest have made the most concrete approaches and remain the frontrunners, though City are showing no signs of lowering their asking price.
West Ham Eye McAtee but £35m Price Tag Slows Progress
McAtee, 22, spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and looks increasingly likely to leave the Etihad permanently. With Rayan Cherki arriving from Lyon and limited first-team opportunities available, the midfielder is believed to be open to a move.
The Hammers are keen to secure midfield reinforcements early in the window, and McAtee is high on their list. However, City’s steep price has brought initial talks to a standstill. Neither West Ham nor Forest have yet indicated they’re ready to meet the £35 million demand.
Hammers and Forest Leading Charge for Midfielder
As reported by Claret and Hugh, West Ham and Forest are leading the chase, with City continuing a strategy of raising funds through academy sales. It’s a route already well established under Pep Guardiola, and McAtee looks set to be one of the next names moved on.
City’s academy graduates have fetched significant sums in recent windows, and they will be hoping McAtee brings another solid return. For West Ham, it’s a chance to sign a Premier League-proven midfielder who could slot straight into Graham Potter’s setup.
Dortmund and Frankfurt Hovering, But Premier League Clubs in Pole
While Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt have both registered interest, it’s the two English sides who have made the strongest moves so far.
Forest may be better positioned financially if Morgan Gibbs-White seals a move to Spurs, although West Ham are still at the table and continuing dialogue with City.
England U21 Midfielder Remains On West Ham’s Radar
McAtee recently featured for England’s U21s, further reinforcing his status as one of the country’s brightest young talents. While his performances didn’t fully steal the spotlight, his experience in the Premier League and youth international circuit makes him a valuable prospect.
For West Ham, the midfield rebuild is a pressing need, and McAtee ticks plenty of boxes. Whether City soften their stance remains to be seen, but the Hammers are not out of the race just yet.
