MANCHESTER CITY are ready to dump European Championship-winning England u21’s captain James McAtee.
The midfielder led the against Germany on Saturday night – after opting to play for his country rather than for City at the Club World Cup.
However he is unlikely to find a way back into ’s squad when he returns from a break later in the summer.
do not feel another loan would be worthwhile after previously sending the 22-year-old out twice to Sheffield United.
So a permanent exit looks to be on the cards – although it would need a bid in excess of £25million to persuade them to sell.
Ironically – after leading to victory against Germany in the final – he could end up playing there next season.
Borussia Dortmund have registered an interest and have money to spend after allowing another ex-City youngster to join Chelsea.
Bayer Leverkusen have previously watched him while RB Leipzig, Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt are also monitoring his situation.
However several clubs will also have been alerted by his performances at Euros over the last three weeks.
Last summer, McAtee decided he wanted to stay with his boyhood club for the season even if it meant he did not play much.
He was given just nine starts in all competitions – with 18 more sub appearances – despite a difficult season for the fallen champions.
And he is likely to find opportunities even harder to come by if he decides to try to stay and fight for his place once again.
Pep has spent more than £125million on reinforcing the centre of his midfield since the turn of the year – bringing in Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and .
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is also fit again after missing almost all the season with a cruciate ligament problem – making the competition for midfield places even more competitive.
Guardiola has spoken before about his admiration for as a player – but is now expected to reluctantly agree to let him leave.
Speaking in April, Pep said: “At his age I would like him to stay but I understand, the players want more minutes.
“He’s an academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely guy. He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see.”;
Guardiola said last week he will have to let players go as he prefers to work with a smaller squad.
City are certain to ask for a sell-on clause in any agreement over McAtee as there are no doubts about his ability.
Meanwhile the Etihad club will not get anything from the deal which takes Gittens to Stamford Bridge as they only received compensation rather than a fee when he moved to Germany.
