Fulham plot move for James McAtee as out-of-favour Man City star considers future move amid lack of starting opportunities

Fulham are weighing up a move for Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee.

The 22-year-old has so far played just one minute against Ipswich Town, one minute against Nottingham Forest and a whopping 20 minutes against Leicester City this season and wants more regular minutes.

McAtee has endured a frustrating time watching on from the sidelines amidst City’s torrid run of form towards the end of last year and doesn’t look likely of forcing his way into more minutes with Pep Guardiola‘s side recording back-to-back wins for the first time since October by beating West Ham on Saturday.

Fulham are now considering testing City’s resolve as Marco Silva looks to integrate another out-of-favour Premier League talent into his team. 

The Craven Cottage club have so far rebuffed bids of £16m from Palmeiras for Andreas Pereira but realise the Brazilians may yet return and if a deal is struck would want to bring in another star.

McAtee is on their radar as a potential option with Fulham aware the England U21 international wants more first-team chances to prove his ability.

McAtee had a late cameo from the bench against West Ham on Saturday but is keen for more starting opportunities

McAtee had a late cameo from the bench against West Ham on Saturday but is keen for more starting opportunities that Fulham would likely be able to offer.

He has 18 months left on his current deal – and with City yet to engage in new contract negotiations – his situation has alerted a number of interested clubs. 

Mail Sport revealed last month that Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund were following developments while West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest also want the 22-year old should City consider selling for around £25million.

Meanwhile, Guardiola knows the potential the youngster has and recognises McAtee could become an even greater talent whether at City or another club.

The Spaniard recently heaped praise on the youngster, stating: ‘He’s a player from a generation we had at Manchester City that’s been unbelievable; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis… Incredible, incredible players came from there, and Macca is one of this generation. He was captain of this generation.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is keen to bring in January reinforcements with McAtee an option

McAtee has 18 months left on his current deal and his situation has alerted a number of interested clubs

‘That’s why, when I said to Txiki (Begiristain), and I know it’s unfair to say 1736031942 because, “Ah you asked him to stay, after you didn’t give him minutes he deserved”, that’s fair. It’s right! But always I had the feeling that guy could play with us. He could play.

‘It’s simple. All players, when you want to ask for something, on the green! On the green is the best place to show, and Macca proved it.

‘There are things that sometimes feel unfair. Sometimes in the situation we are living, always you have the feeling to give responsibility to senior players, not young ones. 

‘But sometimes senior players have more pressure than young ones that don’t have anything to defend. It’s just they want to conquer the world.’