Man City to make transfer decision amid Aston Villa interest

Manchester City are considering letting one of their most talented prospects go out on loan after Aston Villa reportedly registered their interest in the player earlier this year.

Villa were one of a number of Premier League clubs, including Leicester City, Leeds United, Brighton and Southampton, who were keen on signing James McAtee. Their hopes of nabbing the youngster were dashed when he signed a new contract in February that will keep him at Eastlands until 2026.

Interest in the 19-year-old has remained 'significant', however, so much so that City are considering sending him out on loan to aid his development, according to The Athletic.

The report adds that the club planned to include the midfielder in their first-team plans this coming season. But they are willing to send him out on loan if a 'particularly appealing option' comes into the picture - and if the player wants it.

In all likelihood, Villa and the other clubs linked with the player would prefer to have an option to buy included in any deal. But that is something City are unlikely to agree to as they rate him highly.

The chances of Steven Gerrard taking on board a player who could block the pathway of one of Villa's talented youngsters coming through the academy seems unlikely.

Competition in City's midfield is fierce, though, and that could be the wedge that Villa or one of the many clubs linked with him use to convince McAtee that his future lies elsewhere and secure a permanent deal. He would certainly have more opportunities for gametime at Villa Park than the Etihad.