Article body analysed
By SIMON JONES Published: 22: 15 AEDT, 24 February 2025 | Updated: 22: 18 AEDT, 24 February 2025 2 View comments Manchester City midfielder James Mc Atee remains a target for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Mail Sport revealed in December that the German champions were pursuing the 22-year old and they made a formal approach in January only to be rebuffed by City. However, with Pep Guardiola's side among those seeking to sign Leverkusen talisman Florian Wirtz this summer, the Germans are actively seeking a playmaker who could fill the void and Mc Atee remains firmly in their thinking. The 22-year old is well regarded by Guardiola and came on as a substitute in Sunday's defeat to Liverpool. Mc Atee has made no secret of his desire to nail down a regular place in City's first team but competition in the attacking midfield positions is fierce. City could well lose Jack Grealish and Kevin de Bruyne this summer but Mc Atee is attracted by the prospect of regular first team football. Manchester City midfielder James Mc Atee remains a target for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen It comes with City also interested in Florian Wirtz - who they see as a player who could fit seamlessly into their style City are among the front runners for Wirtz who at 21 is slightly younger than Mc Atee and has already established himself in the German national side. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has been touted as a possible successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid this summer. Los Blancos are another club keen on Wirtz, as are Liverpool, but Jude Bellingham is well established in that role in the Spanish capital. City see Wirtz as a player who could fit seamlessly into their style and Leverkusen would consider asking for Mc Atee as part of any negotiations. Meanwhile, Argentina midfielder Claudio Echeverri is due to link up with his new teammates at City after arriving in England today. The 19-year old was signed by City from River Plate last year but remained in Argentina on loan. Another playmaker, he captained Argentina in the recent South American U20 Champiknships. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group