‘Great news’, ‘could be our Gundo’s replacement’ – Man City fans react as club reject £30m proposal for ‘Special’ 20y/o gem

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club have knocked back serious offers for James McAtee as the midfielder aims to cement a place in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad.

McAtee took the bold decision to go on loan to Sheffield United last season despite it not being top preference at the Etihad, but backed up his plan as he played a starring role in a promotion campaign that sees the Blades back in the top flight of English football.

That has seen even more interest in signing the 20-year-old either on loan or in a permanent deal, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs among those keen.

However, Guardiola and his bosses were impressed by the character McAtee showed on loan to battle back after a chastening start in the Championship and with Ilkay Gundogan leaving and further doubts in midfield there is the opportunity for the Salford youngster to slot back in at the Etihad.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Etihad Stadium officials have turned away ‘serious’ offers for James McAtee, with the midfielder looking to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad during the coming campaign.

The reports claims that Manchester City have ‘rebuffed’ all interest in the England youth international, despite the potential for some buyers to hit a £30 million transfer fee for McAtee.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@mcfcdvd: “30m is a lot to turn down. We got a talent in our hands…”

@FodenxSZN: “Yes he’s a baller we need him in the first team.”

@SZ_ctid: “Good we should definitely be keeping him.”

@ken_oldham: “He’s the new David Silva, a great footballer very skillful, he’s got good vision, can see a pass and he knows where the back of the net is, he can only get better in this city team..”

@HoodieFoden: “If we turning down 30m for him then he’s definitely getting playing time especially preseason a lot I would think. Wonder if that means we go without a midfielder in the window or not.”

@Hughavinalaf2: “Great news, he fits the profile of player this squad favours and has very much earned his opportunity to prove he is worth a place with the first team.”

@Fodenball8: “So it seems like Mcatee could be our Gundo’s replacement if we are rejecting bids as high as 30m…”

@MCFCOK47: “Yep thats our Gundo replacement.”

@Atom1PS: “A lot of faith being put in him for next season then. Proud of him, he’s earned it. Broke out in the youth setup then proved him self on loan. Let him cook..”

@City_Sean: “I wonder if there will be more emphasis on integrating the youth players over the next two seasons. They’ll be hungry and eager to impress and the likes of McAtee will be 22 when Pep goes, after two years training week in week out they could be ready to take the mantle of others?”