Swans keeping tabs on Man City youngster

SWANSEA City are eyeing up a loan swoop for Manchester City youngster James McAtee.

The England Under-21 international is highly regarded at the Etihad Stadium and was handed his senior bow for the club as a substitute in a 6-1 Carabao Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers in September.

He has reportedly attracted interest from former club Manchester United and Barcelona while Brighton had an £8m bid for the 19-year-old rejected by the Citizens earlier this year.

But WalesOnline understands the Swans are keen to recruit the talented attacker on loan in January having shown an interest in the youngster in the summer.

Having opted against sending him out a few months ago, Man City are thought to be keen for the Salford-born ace to gain some regular game-time at senior level before assessing his situation further next summer.

The Swans signed Joel Latibeaudiere from Man City in the summer of 2020 while sporting director Mark Allen was also instrumental in the capture of Olivier Ntcham who came through the academy ranks at the Etihad.

Man City are thought to be impressed with the style implemented by Russell Martin and see the Swansea.com Stadium as a place where McAtee could develop his game, although his contract situation may need to be resolved before a decision is made on his next career move.

McAtee - who started his career at Manchester United - signed his first professional contract with Pep Guardiola’s side in the summer of 2020, although he currently has just over 18 months left to run on that deal.

He is described by the club’s official website as “a technically gifted and versatile attacking player”.