Man City replacement for Kevin De Bruyne has just sent a clear message to Pep Guardiola
Kevin De Bruyne faces an uncertain future at Manchester City. The 32-year-old, who was linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during the transfer window, has less than one year on his contract.
After the 3-1 win over West Ham last Saturday, De Bruyne addressed his future and claimed he has not been "entertained" by rumours suggesting he might leave City. The Belgium international also revealed that he is "sure" that there will be talks over a possible new deal in the coming weeks.
Although it does seem that De Bruyne is intent on sticking put at City, Pep Guardiola must think about planning for life without the superstar. City could look at signing a new No.10 with a view to replacing De Bruyne in long-term or they might be able to look within, with James McAtee having the potential to play his role.
Having spent the previous two years on loan at Sheffield United, McAtee had been at the centre of widespread transfer admiration over the course of the summer, but Guardiola wanted to keep him at the club. After impressing on their pre-season tour of the United States, the City boss revealed a clear desire to have McAtee around the first-team squad and hand him opportunities to impress this season.
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His faith was restored in the Community Shield with McAtee playing 80 minutes and being one of the bright sparks during their penalty shootout win over Manchester United. The 21-year-old has since made just one Premier League appearance so far, coming off the bench in the victory against Ipswich last month.
However, McAtee has had the chance to get