Bayer Leverkusen approach Manchester City for James McAtee | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have initiated discussions with Manchester City over a potential move for highly-rated midfielder James McAtee.

The Bundesliga champions are on the market for a short-term replacement for Martin Terrier, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, is reportedly a strong admirer of McAtee’s talent.

The Spanish manager is familiar with McAtee’s progress at City, and he sees an opportunity to offer the young midfielder regular game time – something he has struggled to get under Pep Guardiola.

While Guardiola values the England Under-21 international as a ‘quality‘ player and has publicly claimed he adores him and wants to keep him at the Etihad Stadium, competition for places could limit his chances.

City have already welcomed Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt in a big money deal.

With Jack Grealish unlikely to leave the club this month despite his inconsistent form, McAtee’s chances of breaking into City’s starting XI are at an all-time low.

Leverkusen are optimistic that McAtee is open to the move, enticed by the promise of consistent minutes in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and German Cup.

Both clubs are reportedly engaged in high-level talks, although they could struggle to convince City to part ways with the English forward.

Leverkusen have also approached Villa to enquire about a loan deal for Buendia as a contingency plan if they can’t get McAtee.

McAtee is also attracting interest from several Bundesliga clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, FSV Mainz, and VfB Stuttgart, although Leverkusen are leading the race.

Despite struggling for minutes, McAtee has scored five goals in 14 games across all competitions this season.

With just 18 months left on his current City contract, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola can afford to lose such a promising player midway into the season.