Man City boss Pep Guardiola goes public with his James McAtee transfer stance after Newcastle United links

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Newcastle United are keen on signing a right winger in January.

The Magpies are set to be incredibly short on the right side of attack before the January transfer window ends.

Miguel Almiron will soon leave Newcastle for the MLS in a transfer that will see the club rake in around £10million. Elsewhere, Harvey Barnes is out injured for the next four weeks at least.

It was almost a disaster for Toon boss Eddie Howe as Jacob Murphy hit the deck during Newcastle’s loss to Bournemouth on Saturday. He was taken off shortly after.

Howe confirmed Murphy’s departure wasn’t injury-related, but it is a sign of how quickly fortunes can turn. Joelinton played as a right-winger for the last 25 minutes of the game against Bournemouth. A position the Brazilian had only played once this season.

Newcastle want to sign McAtee from Manchester City. The winger is thought to be keen on a move away from the defending Champions due to being frustrated with the lack of game time.

McAtee played his part in Manchester City’s 6-0 win against Ipswich on Sunday, scoring City’s final goal of the afternoon.

With Newcastle looking to swoop in for the 22-year-old. Man City boss Pep Guardiola has gone public regarding McAtee’s future at the club.

Pep Guardiola wants McAtee to stay at Man City

McAtee has not enjoyed many minutes in the Premier League this season. The England under-21s star has only played 66 minutes across six appearances in the top flight.

However, McAtee has enjoyed good run-outs in Man City’s squad in other competitions this season. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer called McAtee “excellent” after he scored a hat-trick against Salford in the FA Cup.

McAtee has also made three appearances in the Champions League this season, scoring once.

Following the win against Ipswich, Guardiola was asked about McAtee and his future at the club by the Daily Mirror.

“He is such a good footballer and a lovely guy. Quite similar qualities as Phil (Foden),” he said.

“It is not easy when you don’t get many minutes for your confidence. Hopefully we can keep James for many years.”

Although he is not getting the game time he desires, Guardiola is clearly a fan of McAtee who showed his quality in his 27-minute cameo on Sunday.

Newcastle must push to sign McAtee

If Newcastle fail to sign a winger in January, it could have serious implications for where they finish in the Premier League. Eddie Howe is undoubtedly aiming to qualify for European football, but the loss to Bournemouth coupled up with Man City’s win has taken them out of the driver’s seat.

The Magpies are now fifth in the table but could fall to sixth if Chelsea picks up a point against Wolves on Monday night.

McAtee would only cost Newcastle £25m in January. Many would consider that a bargain considering how well he has performed in his cameos this season.

If Newcastle were to sign McAtee, they would be much better equipped to qualify for Europe and they would be taking an asset away from one of their league rivals.