Manchester City are now preparing to give James McAtee a huge new contract to keep him at the Etihad Stadium – and out of Liverpool’s clutches.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (23/01, p75), who claim that City are now ready to make their offer to McAtee.
It’s claimed that the 19-year-old will be given a ‘bumper’ new deal to convince him to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
City have high hopes for McAtee and will now give him ‘significantly improved terms’ to tempt him into staying.
McAtee is now into the final 18 months of his City contract and could simply walk away from the club at the end of next season.
McAtee is certainly attracting plenty of interest, and Premier League rivals are queuing up to sign him.
The Daily Mail noted in November that Liverpool had joined Manchester United in the race for McAtee, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also keen.
Add in that Aston Villa are also believed to be keen on McAtee and you can see why City are desperate to get a new deal sorted.
Liverpool would no doubt love to steal one of City’s golden talents away from them. The two sides have struck up quite the rivalry in recent years and stealing McAtee would be a huge win for Liverpool.
Gary Neville suggested in November that McAtee is like a clone of David Silva having seen him weave away from Everton defenders for City.
That’s a lofty comparison, but you can see why it’s being made. McAtee is so smooth on the ball, loves going past players and has the end product to match.
McAtee has a ridiculous record this season, smashing 13 goals and four assists in 14 Premier League 2 games for City.
The dream is for McAtee to play alongside Phil Foden in the City first team, and this new contract offer could make it a reality – but if McAtee is unsure, Liverpool will be ready to pounce.
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