James McAtee: Pep Guardiola reveals if Man City starlet will leave before transfer deadline

Since returning from a two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, McAtee has been restricted to just four starts and 10 substitute outings for Man City in all competitions, not starting any of his 10 appearances across the Premier League or Champions League.

The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of his talent when called upon by Guardiola, most notably scoring his first career hat-trick in an 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City earlier this month, as well as netting his first Champions League goal in a 4-0 win at Slovan Bratislava in October last year.

However, McAtee is believed to have grown frustrated with his lack of regular first-team football this term which has led to speculation about a possible exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Recent reports claim that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have had a loan offer rejected by Man City, and the German club have since decided to recruit Emiliano Buendia on loan from Aston Villa.

McAtee set to stay at Man City, says Guardiola

The likes of Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham, West Ham United, Ajax and Feyenoord have also been credited with an interest in McAtee, but Guardiola now expects the academy graduate to stay put and has explained why he wants him to remain at City.

"I don't think [there will be any offers this month]. He is going to stay," Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday ahead of Man City's Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

"We don't have enough players. We have a World Cup at the end of the season. We have a lot of games. I think he can play more minutes, and for minutes they have to continue to fight and I'm really pleased of Macca.

"But, at the same time, maybe there arrives an offer for the club that they say, 'Listen, we have to sell him!' My opinion of Macca, I said to the club, is really clear, but always it's the club, and the club has to take resources and sell players, and it depends on what happens."

Guardiola added: "Of course I understand his frustration [for lack of game time]. Absolutely. I understand, I was a football player, and have incredible empathy to feel what he can feel.

"But the same happens for other players and they have to be ready, at their best, and we don't want anyone unsatisfied, you know my opinion on that.

"In the middle of the season, with the problems that we had, I have the feeling that we need him! I need him, it's simple!"

Will there be any more incomings at Man City?

Meanwhile, Guardiola was asked if Man City could complete any more signings before the transfer window closes, having already added three fresh faces to their senior squad.

Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have all completed permanent moves to the Etihad, totalling to around £123m, while 18-year-old defenders Juma Bah and Christian McFarlane have also arrived, although Bah has since joining Lens on loan.

"I don't know," Guardiola said when asked if the Citizens will be doing any further transfer business. "The club do what they believe is the best for the club, for now, and for the next years - two, three, five, 10 years. Always they try to do the best."

Man City have been tipped to sign a new midfielder and full-back, with Juventus pair Douglas Luiz and Andrea Cambiaso believed to be high on their list of targets.

Written by

Oliver Thomas