Prem dash for next Phil Foden begins with Aston Villa leading the pack
Aston Villa head the line of clubs interested in poaching young star James McAtee – thought to be the next Phil Foden – from Manchester City, per a report.
Man City’s Under-23 side has been mightily impressive this season. The academy side top the Premier League 2 table, on 36 points.
McAtee has been one of the most influential players in that side and across PL2 this season. The 19-year-old has scored 14 goals in 15 appearances – making him the league’s top scorer – while also registering seven assists.
Indeed, the youngster appears to be a top talent, and one that is ready for the step up to senior football. He has played 45 minutes in City’s first team so far across three appearances.
McAtee’s contract at the Etihad is up at the end of next season. What’s more, he has caught the eye of a handful of Prem sides already.
Aston Villa, Leicester City and Brighton all have a keen eye on the youngster, per Birmingham Mail.
It is believed McAtee could be “the next Phil Foden”, so the interest is well justified. Like Foden, he can operate in a number of positions, and while he is mainly an attacking-midfielder, he is competent in the heart of the midfield and up front.
Pep Guardiola is keen on giving the starlet more opportunities in the first team given his considerable potential.
However, the pull of Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa has been enough to take the likes of Philippe Coutinho to the club.
As such, he may be able to lure the City youngster from the grasp of the Prem giants.
McAtee and Bentancur could link up at Villa
In other news, Villa are keen on adding Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to their midfield. The defensive-midfielder would add solidity and balance in the middle of the park.
There now looks to be only one obstacle remaining between Bentancur and Villa.
Juventus are willing to let the Uruguayan leave, but are eager to replace him before letting him go.
Once they find an apt replacement, the wheels can get fully in motion.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa to cut ties with summer signing as relegation-threatened trio circle
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