‘High-level of footballing IQ’: Lescott raves about midfielder Leeds want to sign

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Joleon Lescott once claimed that Leeds United transfer target, James McAtee, is ‘closer’ in his style of play to David Silva and Phil Foden.

The former centre-back added that at Manchester City, McAtee is a ‘highly-regarded’ and he is being taught a ‘high-level of footballing IQ’, as he told BT Sport in March.

The 19-year-old made his Champions League debut during the second-leg of Man City’s knockout tie against Sporting Lisbon, with the young midfielder impressing.

In total, during the last campaign, McAtee, played six games in all competitions for the senior side, but it was for the youth team where he shone, scoring an incredible 18 goals from 23 games in Premier League 2.

If Leeds manage to secure McAtee’s talents, then it would be a top purchase by the Yorkshire club, as Lescott shared his previous thoughts on the player.

“James was one that was highly regarded,” said Lescott. “You could see the talent. Probably closer to the style of a David Silva and a Phil Foden. It’s probably an unfair comparison.

“But he’s left-footed. He has the balance. Can play in a multitude of positions. But what they are being taught at Manchester City is a high-level of footballing IQ.”

MCATEE COULD BE PART OF KALVIN PHILLIPS DEALS

Whilst a player like McAtee would provide a bright future for someone like Leeds, the issue is why he is being linked with them this summer.

Given that Man City are keen to sign Kalvin Phillips, it seems as though they could use their own academy star as part of negotiations to sign Leeds’ boyhood fan.

Of course, every Whites fan up and down the country would prefer to keep Phillips on board, as many fear he could be gone by the time they kick off the new season against Wolves in August.

But, he isn’t the only one who could possibly head for the exit door because Raphinha is another one that could don the colours of another Premier League side.

All in all, whilst Jesse Marsch seriously needs to add more depth to his squad, it’s probably who leaves that will have the bigger impact on the squad.