Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is reportedly wanted by Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old could be the latest Citizens academy star to depart the club on a permanent basis, leading to worries that the situations of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers could be repeated.
McAtee has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the senior squad at the Etihad this term, appearing in six Premier League matches, totalling to 66 minutes of action.
The youngster is yet to start a top-flight contest for Pep Guardiola's men this season and was an unused substitute as the Citizens beat Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday evening.
The England Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, where he made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals.
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Man City's McAtee wanted by Leverkusen?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Man City star McAtee could be heading towards an Etihad exit before the February 3 deadline.
The report claims that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have approached the Premier League holders over a move for the 22-year-old this month.
It is understood that the German giants have proposed a loan switch for McAtee until the end of the campaign, with an option to purchase the player in the summer.
Man City and Guardiola are supposedly reluctant to lose the attacking midfielder, who the club perceive as a first-team regular in the future.
Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is a major fan of McAtee, who could replace Martin Terrier in the side after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury earlier this month.
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Foden or Palmer route for McAtee?
Owing to the vast array of talent in Guardiola's squad, McAtee has a serious decision to make regarding his future amid interest from Leverkusen.
The youngster has been twiddling his thumbs on the bench for the majority of the term, a fate endured by Phil Foden during his early years in the senior fold with the Citizens.
Foden has since become a key part of Guardiola's plans at the Etihad, helping his boyhood club to six Premier League titles.
Other players have found success from escaping the stresses of the Man City bench, with Palmer currently setting world football alight at Chelsea.
Carter White
