Manchester United 'plot' shock transfer from Man City that Pep Guardiola would hate

Manchester United are looking to change their transfer strategy this summer as they look to build a team for the future rather than the present

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the availability of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee ahead of the summer transfer window.

McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship and then Premier League but following the Blades' drop into the second tier for this campaign, the decision was made to give the youngster a run in the first team. With the Blues struggling this season, chances for McAtee have not been as forthcoming as they could have been.

However, he has still made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals. While Pep Guardiola has admitted McAtee has not been given the same opportunities as some players, the 22-year-old is still well liked by the City boss.

"We haven’t seen it [from James] this season because I didn’t allow him to play minutes," Guardiola told reporters. "I cannot ask anything from these types of players when they do not play a lot of minutes.

"They could do better? No.

"For the age I would like him to stay. I understand, the players want more minutes I understand that.

"I would like him to stay, he’s an academy player, he knows the patterns, he’s a lovely person, a lovely guy. He trains really good, plays in different positions.

"I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish and we will see." With McAtee entering the final year of his contract, City will be under no illusions that the midfielder may choose to leave in search of more regular football.

And now, The Telegraph reports that United would be interested in his services. It is claimed that the Reds are monitoring developments surrounding McAtee along with AC Milan and Newcastle.

However, it is Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen who are credited with the strongest interest in the midfielder. The amount of players who have made the direct switch between United and City is a small group so the Reds may have to wait until the summer of 2026 to sign McAtee which could be too late.

Leverkusen and Milan both have an advantage over their Premier League rivals as they could sign McAtee on a pre-contract agreement in January if the 22-year-old has not signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. Clubs in the same country cannot sign rival players on pre-contract agreements.

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