According to reports, McAtee returned to City last summer after two loan spells at Sheffield United in the Championship and has since delivered impressive performances. The versatile 21-year-old, who can play on the flanks, has scored 7 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including 3 in 13 Premier League matches.

Despite his contributions, McAtee has only one year left on his contract and desires regular playing time next season. Although he started in City’s crucial 2-1 win over Aston Villa, it was only his second Premier League start this season.

Guardiola has praised McAtee but has limited his opportunities, which may decrease further next season as City targets players like Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Guardiola views these players as potential replacements for Kevin De Bruyne, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa. McAtee hopes to benefit from De Bruyne’s departure, but City prefers an immediate starter.

Bayer Leverkusen’s winter bid for McAtee, including a £25 million buy clause, was rejected. The Bundesliga club, keen on McAtee, wants to retain Wirtz but may struggle to resist a substantial offer for the German international.

Manchester United is among the clubs interested in McAtee. United must act quickly, as Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and AC Milan are also monitoring his situation.

With United’s aging midfield duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen often criticized for their lack of pace, manager Rúben Amorim must strengthen the squad. McAtee, a Salford native who joined City’s academy at 10, would be the first player to move from City to United in 13 years. The last was Federico Veseli in 2012, who never played for United’s first team.

Guardiola recently said: “Given his age, I’d love him to stay. But I understand players want more minutes. He’s an academy product, knows our style, and is a fantastic person. He can play multiple positions, but I don’t know next season’s squad yet.”

It remains unclear if Guardiola will let another talent join a rival, especially Manchester United. He faced a similar situation when Cole Palmer left City and quickly became Chelsea’s standout player.