Leicester eye swoop for Man City wonderkid despite midfielder snubbing loan transfer last summer
LEICESTER plan to sign Manchester City starlet James McAtee at the second attempt . . . if they are promoted.
McAtee snubbed Foxes coach Enzo Maresca — Pep Guardiola’s former No 2 at the Etihad — when he chose a return to Sheffield United on loan for another season.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder even travelled to the Championship club’s HQ but opted to pursue the chance of playing in the Prem after helping the Blades go up last term.
But now Maresca wants McAtee — known as the Salford Silva — who should be allowed out by City after his return from the Blades in the summer.
McAtee wants to continue to play in the Prem, so the Foxes need to complete their promotion mission to tempt him.
City would also want McAtee to be at that level before loaning him.
There is a chance of a buy but Leicester have Financial Fair Play issues to grapple with.
Leicester have been active in Brazil and Argentina as they prepare for life back in the Prem despite mixed results in recent weeks.
And their scouts are also checking on French left-back Eric Junior Bocat, 24, at Belgian top-flight side Sint-Truiden as they plan to improve that area.
Bocat is ideal for the wing-back position and has developed since leaving Lille four years ago.
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Meanwhile, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants to sign Luke Ayling as he builds a new squad to bounce back next season.
Ayling, 32, is a free agent in the summer after a short stay at Middlesbrough.
The ex-Leeds defender can play right-back or centre-half and is the kind of solid player that Wilder wants.
Blades will have funds after losing many out-of-contract players but landing a top free like Ayling works well for them.
United are also eyeing loans and are keen on Luton’s 24-year-old striker John McAtee — elder brother of James — who has starred at Barnsley.
