Nottingham Forest's summer signing James McAtee has emerged as a surprise target for several clubs, including Leeds United and Chelsea, after a difficult start to his City Ground career.
A Stuttering Start at Forest
The England Under-21 captain joined Forest from Manchester City in the summer for a fee that could rise to £30 million. However, the anticipated impact has yet to materialise. McAtee has managed just 10 appearances this season, with several of those coming from the substitutes' bench.
His lack of continuity has been compounded by working under three different managers in his first five months at the club. Despite this, current boss Sean Dyche and the club's hierarchy are said to think highly of the 23-year-old and believe he has a future at Forest.
Premier League Interest Intensifies
The midfielder's limited involvement, highlighted by being an unused substitute in Saturday's defeat to his former club Manchester City, has put other clubs on alert. Leeds United hold a long-standing interest in McAtee and are actively seeking a creative 'number 10' this January, having missed out on Harry Wilson last summer.
More surprisingly, Chelsea are also monitoring the situation. Blues coach Enzo Maresca is a known admirer from their shared time at Manchester City, where McAtee played alongside current Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Liam Delap. Chelsea are also considering moves for McAtee's Forest teammate Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as they look to bolster their midfield options.
Domestic and European Suitors Circle
The interest extends beyond the Championship and Premier League. Bournemouth, who are preparing for potential interest in their own forward Antoine Semenyo, are among clubs exploring a loan move for McAtee. Fulham and Sunderland are also credited with looking at a temporary deal.
On the continent, a host of Bundesliga sides are keeping a watching brief, including:
- Stuttgart
- RB Leipzig
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Eintracht Frankfurt
Portuguese giants Porto and Dutch powerhouses PSV Eindhoven are also understood to be admirers of the Salford-born attacking midfielder, setting the stage for a potential transfer tussle.
