Wolves in seven-club scrap to sign coveted English midfield gem likened to David Silva

Wolves are one of many teams currently trying to sign James McAtee from Manchester City.

Wanderers currently have five midfield options – Mario Lemina, Joao Gomes, Boubacar Traore, Joe Hodge and Matheus Nunes, who is often used out wide by Julen Lopetegui.

Seemingly, the club would like to add another.

And in McAtee, they would find a serious talent.

The 20-year-old, who carries the nickname ‘the Salford Silva’ for his likeness in style to the recently retired David Silva, seriously impressed on loan at Sheffield United last term.

But McAtee’s chances of being a regular at the Etihad are slim.

And this is not lost on a number of clubs, who are now fighting to land him.

Wolves in for James McAtee, but face huge battle

According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are in the hunt for McAtee.

It is stated that City are actually reluctant to let him leave at the moment.

There is apparently a seven-club scrap for McAtee at the moment, with Wolves, Brighton, Celtic, Real Sociedad, Southampton, Sheffield United and AZ Alkmaar all showing interest.

Some of these clubs are willing to make a transfer bid to sign him permanently.

Others are looking to try for a loan.

One would imagine that Wolves would be in the latter camp given the current financial issues.

McAtee is not the only City youngster Wolves have apparently shown interest in this summer.

Tommy Doyle has been linked too, as has defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

James McAtee on loan would be an excellent pickup by Wolves

Given the issues Wolves have been facing over Alex Scott, maybe McAtee is someone to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

He would actually be a brilliant alternative for Wanderers.

After taking some time to settle at Bramall Lane, McAtee really stood out for Sheffield United last season.

He’s a very talented and versatile attacking midfield player who would be comfortable in a variety of roles.

City have produced some top young talents over the last few years, and Wolves would be fools not to at least try to sign McAtee if Scott isn’t an option.

 

 

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Wolves now eyeing move for £85k-a-week striker Declan Rice once called ‘unplayable’

Wolves are reportedly interested in a move for West Ham United striker Michail Antonio.

Wanderers are now done with their pre-season and looking ahead to their first Premier League game of the season against Manchester United next Monday.

The 3-1 win over Rennes was very encouraging.

The performance was much needed, given fans have been growing frustrated about the lack of transfer activity this summer.

Just two players have come in so far – Tom King and Matt Doherty.

Wolves just don’t have money to spend in this window due to concerns about FFP.

But that hasn’t stopped a new link being made today.

Wolves keen on West Ham striker Michail Antonio

According to TEAMtalk today, Wolves are showing an interest in Antonio.

It is stated that the Hammers are open to offers for the 33-year-old, who was recently linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

It is thought that Al Ettifaq were keen.

But they have now cooled their interest after signing Moussa Dembele.

Antonio was actually linked with Wolves during the January transfer window.

At the time the £85,000-a-week man was in and out of the team at West Ham, battling for minutes with Gianluca Scamacca, who is now on the verge of joining Atalanta.

There is no mention of any kind of asking price for the Jamaica international, who is West Ham’s all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League.

Once ‘unplayable’, Antonio would be an uninspiring signing by Wolves

Wolves signing Antonio would be a fairly underwhelming move by the club.

But this is probably where Wolves are at just at the moment.

Antonio does obviously have lots of Premier League experience and has scored goals in the top-flight.

But he is undoubtedly not the same player as a few years ago.

Antonio relies a lot on using his physicality. A few years ago, Declan Rice actually hailed Antonio as ‘unplayable’ when he is feeling confident.

But Wolves already have a physical striker in Sasa Kalajdzic.

A case could perhaps be made if Antonio was prolific.

But he scored just five goals in the Premier League last season. To be fair he did bag another nine in cup competitions. Most of those came in the Europa Conference League.

But this would definitely be a bit of a strange one by Wolves.