Bayer Leverkusen to rival Manchester United for City midfielder James McAtee – Paper Round

Manchester United have been linked with an unlikely move for Manchester City’s promising James McAtee, who is yet to secure regular first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola.

However, the Daily Record suggests a much more credible option, with Erik ten Hag keen to bring him to Bayer Leverkusen.

“The midfielder has long been linked with Bayer Leverkusen, and Ten hag’s former club Man Utd have also been credited with an interest.

“McAtee is highly rated at the Etihad but is struggling to establish himself as a first team regular, which could make a switch to the Bundesliga an appealing move at this stage of his career.”

Manchester United are looking at alternatives to Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after Tottenham joined the race.

The Sun reports that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze could be in the frame.

“And one of them is an England international, who has already attracted interest from Premier League rivals.

“Man Utd are considering Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze as plan Bs.

“Eze, 26, has also attracted interest from Aston Villa after leading Palace to their first ever FA Cup.”

Justin Kluivert could be on his way to the Bundesliga, according to a story in the Mirror.

The in-form Bournemouth forward is a target for Bayer Leverkusen, as they look to replace Florian Wirtz.

“Liverpool have finally struck a £116.5million deal for Leverkusen’s star playmaker after lengthy negotiations that saw three bids rejected, giving the Bundesliga a huge payday in what is a Premier League record buy.

“Leverkusen, who have just appointed ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, will now be looking to redistribute some of that money into transfers and they should be able to make a few quality signings.”

Viktor Gyokeres would prefer a move to Arsenal after he gave Manchester United short shrift.

The Swedish forward was subject to a bid of £55 million from Arsenal, but their offer was rejected.

“The Swedish forward was rumoured to be linking up with Old Trafford to join forces once more with ex-Sporting Lisbon gaffer Ruben Amorim. “Record claims that Gyokeres has binned off the chance to don the famous Red Devils shirt, with his reps giving United the cold shoulder.

“Arsenal now seem to be at the front of the queue to sign the Swedish star. This comes off the heels of Gyokeres breaking his silence about the transfer rumours surrounding his future.

“Sporting had previously rejected a £55m offer from Arsenal, which reportedly annoyed the former Coventry ace – who thought he’d be let go for a more reasonable sum but found the goalposts had moved.”