Manchester City make decision on James McAtee joining Leeds United in January

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Leeds United have been linked to Manchester City talent James McAtee as Pep Guardiola’s side have made their decision on the midfielder’s future.

Daniel Farke has made it clear that Leeds will take a ‘relatively young’ approach to January signings.

Someone who fits in that bracket is James McAtee who has been a target for Leeds this window.

A revelation has appeared now judging whether the 22-year-old would be a likely arrival at Elland Road this winter, or if Man City will decide otherwise.

James McAtee joining Leeds from Manchester City is ‘unlikely’

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has said he doesn’t see McAtee leaving this window and highlighted they will assess the midfielder’s future at the end of the season.

McAtee has struggled for game time since returning to his parent club this season after having previous impressive loan spells with Sheffield United both in the Premier League and Championship.

Speaking on the Fully Loaded Transfer Show (1:01:40), journalist, Ben Jacobs, gave an update on McAtee’s situation which doesn’t favour Farke’s side.

“For whatever reason he isn’t getting that much game time at the moment. I think you might have two extremes, either he stays or he leaves permanently.

“Man City feel they can keep him within the Premier League and his standards are too good to drop down to the Championship. I think McAtee to Leeds is unlikely.”

A distressing prospect for Leeds, but it may not be all doom and gloom for Farke’s plans.

Leeds can continue to pursue the no.10 position after McAtee blow

Leeds are looking into signing four new additions this January and a new attacking midfielder isn’t currently involved in these plans.

However, journalist, Graham Smyth suggests Leeds could sign a number 10 in January and a star from the MLS has been linked with a switch to Elland Road.

Farke’s side have Diego Luna on their radar after impressing in America with Real Salt Lake and he could provide a strong option in Leeds’ attacking midfield role.

Another option that has been linked in preference to McAtee is Leeds’ pursuit of Burnley’s Mike Tresor, who can also flourish in that no.10 role.

Tresor has had a nightmare at Burnley and could be quick to find the exit door if Leeds come knocking, but the downside is that the Belgian playmaker has struggled with injuries since his move to Turf Moor.

All in all, McAtee’s option seems off the table but Leeds can find a suitable replacement.