Liverpool now face a battle with Barcelona for the signing of Manchester City talent James McAtee, a youngster branded ’the new Phil Foden’.
The Daily Mail claim that Liverpool want to bring McAtee to Anfield as he approaches the final 18 months of his contract.
City have been unable to extend McAtee’s deal, and many clubs are now queueing up to sign him.
Liverpool are understood to face a battle with Manchester United as the two rivals look to raid City.
There is also interest abroad though with Ajax, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all joining the race.
The report notes that McAtee is thought of as ‘the next Phil Foden’, with Pep Guardiola a big fan.
Who is Liverpool target James McAtee?
As if the Foden comparison isn’t enough, McAtee has also been branded the ‘Salford Silva’, a reference to City legend David Silva.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, McAtee has been in frankly ridiculous form so far this season.
The 19-year-old has 10 goals in nine Premier League 2 games, adding two assists.
McAtee also has four goals and one assist in three UEFA Youth League outings.
Guardiola handed McAtee his first-team debut in the EFL Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers in September.
It’s clear that City think highly of McAtee, but they now risk losing him if they can offer him a pathway to first-team action.
Liverpool would no doubt love to raid their rivals for one of their young starlets, and they have a real chance to do so with McAtee.
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