Bayer Leverkusen is set to compete with Manchester United for the services of City midfielder James McAtee.

Bayer Want City Youngster McAtee

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Manchester City’s promising talent, James McAtee. The young midfielder has yet to secure regular first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola, prompting speculation about his future.

However, the Daily Record suggests a more credible option, with Erik ten Hag keen to bring McAtee to Bayer Leverkusen. The paper reports, “Erik Ten Hag is preparing to raid Manchester City for James McAtee.”

McAtee has long been on the radar of Bayer Leverkusen, and Ten Hag’s former club, Manchester United, has also shown interest. The report highlights that while McAtee is highly rated at the Etihad, his struggle to establish himself as a first-team regular could make a switch to the Bundesliga an appealing move at this stage of his career.

Utd Look to Semenyo and Eze

In other transfer news, Manchester United are exploring alternatives to Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after Tottenham entered the race for his signature.

The Sun reports that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze are now in the frame. The paper states, “Manchester United have identified two alternatives in case they miss out on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.”

One of these alternatives is Eze, an England international who has already attracted interest from Premier League rivals. United are considering both Semenyo and Eze as potential plan Bs, with Eze, 26, having also caught the eye of Aston Villa after leading Palace to their first-ever FA Cup.

Bayer Leverkusen Target Kluivert

Meanwhile, Justin Kluivert could be on his way to the Bundesliga, according to a report in the Mirror. The in-form Bournemouth forward is a target for Bayer Leverkusen as they look to replace Florian Wirtz.

The paper claims, “Bayer Leverkusen are targeting a move for Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert as a potential replacement for Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz.”

Liverpool have reportedly struck a £116.5 million deal for Leverkusen’s star playmaker after lengthy negotiations, providing the Bundesliga side with a significant financial boost. With the recent appointment of ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen will be looking to reinvest some of that money into quality signings.

Gyokeres Cool on United Move

In a twist, Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly snubbed a move to Manchester United, preferring a switch to Arsenal instead. The Swedish forward was the subject of a £55 million bid from Arsenal, which was rejected.

The Daily Star states, “Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed a move to Manchester United, as per reports from Portugal.”

Rumours had suggested that Gyokeres would link up with ex-Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. However, reports indicate that Gyokeres has turned down the opportunity to don the famous Red Devils shirt, with his representatives giving United the cold shoulder.

Arsenal now appear to be leading the race to sign the Swedish star, following Gyokeres’ comments regarding the transfer speculation surrounding his future. Sporting had previously rejected Arsenal’s £55 million offer, which reportedly frustrated the former Coventry ace, who had hoped for a more reasonable transfer fee.