Manchester United head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he wants to keep James McAtee at the club this season.
The 21-year-old is the latest star to emerge out of the Citizens' academy in recent years, following in the footsteps of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
It has not been all glamour and fame though for McAtee, who spent the 2023-24 term on loan at Sheffield United as they battled for Premier League survival.
Under a mixture of Paul Heckingbottom and Chris Wilder, the Blades were nowhere near securing safety in the top flight, ending up rock bottom of the league standings.
McAtee made 31 Premier League appearances for the Premier League whipping boys, with 20 of those coming from the start, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
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"I need his specific ability" - Guardiola wants to keep McAtee
After a promising loan spell at Sheffield United last term, it is now clear that McAtee is set to be given a major shot at the Man City first team.
The 21-year-old started and played 80 minutes of the Citizens' Community Shield clash with local rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
Following second-half strikes apiece from Bernardo Silva and Alejandro Garnacho, Guardiola's side secured the trophy with a penalty-shootout success.
Speaking after the match, the Spanish coach stated that he wishes to keep McAtee in his ranks as the 2024-25 Premier League fast approaches.
"I said to Txiki Begiristain (Man City director of football): I do not want to loan him (McAtee), I do not want to sell him. I need his specific ability in small spaces", Guardiola told the media on Saturday afternoon.
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McAtee suitors will be disheartened
With news emerging that Guardiola has asked the board to keep hold of McAtee, there will be plenty of disappointment from those who were planning a swoop for the youngster.
It was reported earlier this summer that Chelsea were a club keen on securing the services of the 21-year-old from the Etihad on a permanent deal.
However, with these latest developments, the chances of McAtee following in the footsteps of England star Palmer to Stamford Bridge are extremely slim.
Carter White
