Manchester City could reportedly offer academy graduate James McAtee on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion as part of a deal to recruit Marc Cucurella this summer.
Cucurella, 23, is believed to be one of Pep Guardiola's primary targets ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, with the Premier League champions keen to bolster their squad with a new left-back.
According to The Sun, Brighton currently value the Spaniard at around £40m, but the Citizens are hoping to bring that price down.
City are aware of the Seagulls interest in youngster McAtee and they are willing to send the midfielder on loan to the Amex Stadium as a makeweight in their offer for Cucurella.
The report adds that McAtee is highly regarded by the Citizens but they are believed to be open to the prospect of loaning him out to gain first-team experience, with a potential move to Brighton – who adopt an attractive style under Graham Potter – seemingly a suitable fit for the 19-year-old.
The attacking midfielder was a standout performer for City's academy side in the 2021-22 campaign and was named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season after recording 17 goals and seven assists in 22 league appearances.
McAtee, who is currently away on international duty with the England Under-21s, signed a new three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium earlier this year and has already made six senior appearances for the club.
Oliver Thomas
