Manchester City attacker James McAtee is reportedly 'very open' to the prospect of a move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan with Sheffield United before he was kept at the club to feature in Pep Guardiola's squad for the 2024-25 campaign.
On the whole, it has been a frustrating season for McAtee, who has started just six of his 24 competitive appearances this term.
The 22-year-old finally made his first Premier League start for Man City in Saturday's successful home outing against Crystal Palace.
McAtee scored Man City's fourth goal as they came from 2-0 down to clinch a 5-2 victory over the Eagles at the Etihad Stadium.
© Imago
McAtee open to Leverkusen move
While McAtee would have been pleased with Saturday's performance, there is still considerable uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the Citizens.
Leverkusen remain among McAtee's potential suitors despite failing in their efforts to sign him in the winter transfer window.
According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, McAtee is 'very open' to the prospect of joining the German club in the summer transfer window.
The England Under-21 international has supposedly kept a close eye on Leverkusen's campaign, with Xabi Alonso's side facing an uphill battle to retain their Bundesliga crown.
The update claims that Leverkusen have remained in contact with the player's camp since the January market, although there is 'nothing advanced' between the two clubs.
© Imago
Could McAtee replace Wirtz?
McAtee has tended to play as an attacking midfielder this season, which is a similar position to that of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
However, the Bundesliga club could be on the lookout for potential replacements amid speculation surrounding Wirtz's future at the BayArena.
It would be a tough task for McAtee to fill the void of a player who has scored 15 goals and contributed 13 assists in 40 competitive appearances this season.
With that said, McAtee can offer useful versatility after previously showing that he can operate as a central midfielder and as a wide player when required.
