Carlton Palmer explains why Leeds United have a better chance of James McAtee deal than Premier League clubs

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in an ambitious deal to sign Manchester City playmaker and England Under-21 captain James McAtee ahead of the January window.

James McAtee is a player expected to be on the radar of a number of clubs in the winter window. He stayed at The Etihad in the summer despite Angus Kinnear saying Leeds were interested in McAtee.

But Pep Guardiola wanted McAtee to stay put and he has since won a few appearances in the Premier League and the Champions League. However, McAtee will want regular game time ahead of January.

It comes after spending two years on loan at Sheffield United. Initially helping Paul Heckingbottom’s side gain promotion, and then fighting against relegation under Chris Wilder, back to the Championship.

• READ MORE: Leeds told they can sign another January target for between £1.5m and £2m

Carlton Palmer explains why James McAtee might pick Leeds

Leeds remain interested in McAtee after links with the Man City star in the summer. However, it is said that as many as 12 clubs want McAtee, including five sides currently playing in the Premier League.

Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham Forest are linked alongside Leeds. Celtic, Stuttgart, Girona, Lens, Lille and Feyenoord from overseas – but Palmer explains why Leeds have a chance.

“Man City would prefer a Premier League move but he needs to be playing football. Leeds are pushing for automatic promotion, what he needs is to be playing regularly,” Palmer told Football League World.

“He’s a fantastic midfield player and it would be a coup for Leeds if they managed to get him and he can replicate the form he showed at Sheffield United, he would because he’s an outstanding footballer.”

Why James McAtee is the missing link in Leeds’ promotion push

Leeds have the goalkeeper in Illan Meslier, last season’s golden glove winner and nine clean sheets this term – second only to Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper. The defence is perfect when not suspended.

Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon are among the best central defenders in the league, while Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo have had a hand in six goals combined. The midfield is excellent, when all four are fit to go.

Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon are all Premier League-quality wingers – arguably the strongest area of the squad and up top, Leeds have four strikers all capable at this level.

The one area Leeds are lacking is in the 10. Brenden Aaronson is good, but not great and McAtee’s stats (above) show he is not only better than Aaronson in the Championship, but also the Premier League.