By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

30th Aug, 2023 | 12:21pm

Sources: Sheffield United lead Wolves in race to sign Man City sensation James McAtee

Sheffield United are leading the chase to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

McAtee, 20, spent a successful season on loan at Sheffield United last season playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League and the Blades are keen to bring the creative midfielder back to Bramall Lane for a second spell.

The likes of Wolves, Leicester and Ajax have all been linked with McAtee.

But Sheffield United are hoping the experience he had with the club last season and how he developed will give them the edge in persuading the player and City that a move back to Yorkshire is the best thing for all parties involved.

McAtee made 43 appearances across all competitions for the Blades in the 2022-23 campaign, notching nine goals and four assists.

The spell at Bramall Lane was his first away from Man City, where he has spent his entire youth career.

As well as notching 46 goals in 89 games for City’s youth sides, McAtee has also made seven appearances for the treble-winners’ senior side.

The Salford-born ace has also been capped three times for England’s Under-21’s but was not part of the European Championship-winning side earlier this year.

McAtee can play in central midfield as well as in a more advanced attacking midfield role.

He is under contract at Man City until June 2026.

Sheffield United have already made eight signings this summer following their promotion to the Premier League – including the permanent capture of prolific England Under-21 striker Cameron Archer.

The Blades have, however, lost each of their first three top-flight games after losing star men Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge earlier in the window.

In other news, Sheffield United takeover value revealed as £170million talks held.