Orta can land the next David Silva as Leeds now plot bid for "special" 18-goal talent - opinion

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring James McAtee to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a recent report by The Athletic, who claim that Victor Orta is very keen on the idea of a move for the Manchester City attacking midfielder this summer, whether that is on a loan or a permanent deal.

The report goes on to state that, while Pep Guardiola is planning on using the 19-year-old as part of his first-team squad next season, City could be tempted into parting with the England U20 international should their own negotiations concerning a £60m deal for Leeds central midfielder Kalvin Phillips begin to drag on.

Considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee quite clearly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the youngster to Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

Indeed, over his 23 Premier League 2 appearances in 2021/22, the forward-thinking midfielder was in unbelievable form for Manchester City’s U23 side, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists for Brian Barry-Murphy’s outfit – ranking the 19-year-old as the joint top scorer and fourth-highest assist provider in the division.

It is this level of form that has seen the £2.7m-rated talent who Jacek Kulig dubbed “exceptional” earn comparisons to Manchester City legend David Silva, while Barry-Murphy also took the time to heap a considerable amount of praise on the teenager in an interview with GOAL earlier this season.

Concerning McAtee, the youth coach said: “I’ve seen a real hunger from him to develop his goal scoring, and drifting towards that goal. He is a very, very talented player and a very creative player.

“I think it’s very early in his development.