“If Bayer Leverkusen agree to let him join us for £100m this January, we will use his talents to prevent Liverpool from winning the league,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly urging Xabi Alonso to allow him to sign the brilliant Bayer Leverkusen star. Guardiola aims to use the player’s quality to help City regain their form in the new year.

James McAtee of Manchester City has become a highly coveted player, with top European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, competing for his signature.

As City plans a major squad revamp in 2025, McAtee’s frustration over limited playing time has sparked interest from numerous clubs eager to tap into his potential.

Reports reveal that Premier League teams like Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace are closely following McAtee’s situation, while top German clubs Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, along with Italian teams Fiorentina and Bologna, are also in the mix.

With McAtee reportedly seeking regular minutes, a move in January seems increasingly probable.

Bayer Leverkusen, in particular, view him as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, who may leave at the season’s end, creating a gap in their midfield.

McAtee’s strong performance against Leicester City, where he contributed significantly to the winning goal, has only heightened interest.

Kevin De Bruyne’s praise of McAtee’s quality and energy has added further fuel to speculation, suggesting that Pep Guardiola may reconsider his future role at Manchester City.