Newcastle United consider Man City wonderkid for just £20m - perfect Eddie Howe signing

The 22-year-old is understood to have grown frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities this season. A two-year loan spell at Sheffield United ended last summer and McAtee hoped to use that experience to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans.

However, the midfielder - who can play as a No.10 or out wide - has started just two Premier League games all campaign. Three goals has been a solid return, with McAtee netting seven times across all competitions.

Chances are limited despite Man City enduring a rare season of struggle. Guardiola is also expected to spearhead a rebuild at Eastlands which could further limit McAtee’s game time.

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City are renowned for having arguably the best youth setup in English football. A trend in recent years has seen players seek pastures new before becoming stars elsewhere.

High-profile players like Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Jeremie Frimpong, Romeo Lavia and Douglas Luis were on Man City’s books but never made the cut. That provides Newcastle solace should they make a move for McAtee.

The Telegraph claim the Magpies recognise he could be available for a cut-price fee given his precarious contract situation. McAtee, an English flair player, appears tailor-made for Eddie Howe.

The Toon boss has guided the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon to the England senior squad. An offer worth around £20million could be enough to tempt City into a deal.

Pep Guardiola honest on James McAtee at Manchester City

Guardiola recently spoke about wanting to keep McAtee at the Etihad beyond the current campaign. His comments came amid reports linking Man City to Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz, a player with a similar profile.

"For the age, I'd like him to stay," Guardiola said earlier this month. "But I understand the players want more minutes. I would like him to stay. He's a player from the academy, he knows the patterns. He's a lovely person and trained really well. He can play different positions but I don't know how the squad will be and we will see.

"Macca has this quality, the ability to create. He is there. Macca close to the box is quite similar to Phil. They are there, a sense. It's difficult to train, to make that movement because the ball is coming. If he plays minutes he will score."

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