Manchester City 'reject Brighton & Hove Albion's bid for wonderkid James McAtee'

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly had an £8m bid rejected by Manchester City for their midfield starlet James McAtee.

The 18-year-old has starred for City's youth academy side so far this campaign, scoring 10 goals in just seven appearances in Premier League 2.

According to The Athletic, the Seagulls remain keen to sign McAtee on a permanent deal, as do West Ham United and Crystal Palace, however Pep Guardiola's side insist that the youngster is not for sale at any price.

Brighton head coach Graham Potter is planning to integrate McAtee straight into the first team, however his attempts to lure the midfielder to the South Coast have failed to materialise so far.

McAtee is considered by Man City as one of their brightest prospects within their academy and they hope in the near future that he can emulate Phil Foden by cementing a regular place in their starting lineup.

The teenager made his senior debut in the third round of the EFL Cup last month, coming on as a substitute in City's 6-1 victory at home against Wycombe Wanderers.