Guardiola says Man City star will likely remain at the club this month despite links elsewhere | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says James McAtee is set to stay at Manchester City this month despite interest from elsewhere.

McAtee is reportedly a target for Bundesliga clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

He has struggled for regular game time so far this season, playing just six times in the Premier League for City.

But Guardiola says he is keen to keep the 22-year-old at the club.

“I don’t think [we are selling],” he said.

“He is going to stay. We don’t have enough players. We have a Club World Cup at the end of the season, we have a lot games. He can play more minutes. They have to fight continually. But I am really pleased for McAtee.

“But, maybe an offer arrives and the club say we have to sell him. The opinion from me on McAtee, I say to club is really clear. But it is the club and they have to sell players, so it depends what happens.”

On McAtee’s lack of game time, Guardiola continued: “Of course I understand the frustration, absolutely,”

“I was a football player, I have incredible empathy to feel what he can feel.

“But the same happens for other players and they have to be ready. We don’t want anyone unsatisfied, you know my opinion on that.”

City have brought in three new signings this month in Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.

And Guardiola did not rule out further signings, saying: “I really don’t know,” when asked if City could bring in anyone else.

“With the club, I’m always happy,” Guardiola said.

“They do what they believe is the best for the club, for now, and for the next years.

“Always they try to do the best, like all the clubs. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but always they try, there’s no doubts about that.”