Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Manchester City attacking sensation James McAtee in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, James McAtee could end up joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they have started to ramp up their efforts this week to sign the Manchester City academy graduate. With the youngster unlikely to get much game time under Pep Guardiola, City are ready to sanction his departure for the right price.

McAtee has come up the ranks at Manchester City, and he has been a part of their first-team setup since the summer of 2023. He was a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad last season after spending a successful loan spell Sheffield United.

The 22-year-old was involved in just 27 matches throughout last season. While he did bag seven goals, he was on the pitch for less than 1,000 minutes. People at the club are well aware of his massive potential, but he is unlikely to get enough game time under Guardiola.

Manchester City have already added a lot of quality to their team, and since James McAtee is way down the pecking order, the Manchester-based giants are ready to negotiate his departure. Tottenham have emerged as a potential destination for the English youth international.

Spurs reignite their pursuit of McAtee

Tottenham Hotspur have been interested in James McAtee since the start of the year. While they could not strike a deal for him back in January, Spurs are ready to try their luck again. With James Maddison suffering an ACL injury, signing a new number ten has become a top priority for the North London club.

McAtee is considered an ideal fit for Thomas Frank’s system and the club’s long-term plans. As a result, the Lilywhites have started to ramp up their efforts. Tottenham have held fresh talks with City about the 22-year-old, as they try to understand the conditions of a potential deal.

The Premier League giants value him at around £40 million and will not accept a lower fee, having already turned down a bid from Nottingham Forest. McAtee would not only provide cover for Maddison but could also help them cope with Dejan Kulusevski’s injury and Son Heung-min’s departure by adding goals and assists.

Moreover, the English playmaker’s ability to operate on either flank could prove valuable for Frank. As a result, it will be interesting to see if they can strike a deal for his services.