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Nottingham Forest have stepped up their pursuit of Manchester City's James Mc Atee, talk SPORT understands. Forest's increased interest in the England Under-21 international comes after their Europa League place was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who dismissed an appeal from Crystal Palace. Sources have described discussions between the two clubs as 'positive' and Mc Atee is keen on the move to the City Ground. The Reds are willing to pay in excess of £20million for the 22-year-old, having previously had a £25m bid rejected by City. It is understood that the Citizens are seeking around £40m for Mc Atee, who has continually been linked with an exit this summer. Forest are long-term admirers of the midfielder, and see him as capable of playing as a no. 8 or no. 10, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to strengthen in midfield this summer. Mc Atee was also said to be drawing interest from teams in Germany earlier in the transfer window. Eintracht Frankfurt were reportedly among those keen on him, having followed him since at least January. The City academy graduate's desire for a move away from the Etihad Stadium comes after seeing his game time limited last season. After spending two years on loan at Sheffield United, during which times he made 75 appearances and scored 14 goals altogether, the Englishman was made part of City's first-team plans last season. He made 27 appearances in all competitions, but just three of them were starts, prompting him to seek a move elsewhere. Mc Atee scored seven goals last term, including a hat-trick in an 8-0 FA Cup third round win over Salford City in January. With Mc Atee's contract at City running until 2026, it is likely the club will look to cash in on him before then, with Forest an attractive option given their recent promotion to the Europa League. The East Midlands outfit finished seventh in the Premier League last term and initially qualified for the Conference League. However, FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were then relegated from the Europa League to the Conference League following a UEFA ruling over a breach of multi-club ownership rules. And after the Eagles' appeal to overturn this ruling was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Forest were then awarded their place in Europe's second-tier competition. Mc Atee's arrival would bring European experience to the team, who featured five times in the Champions League for City last term, scoring once. The playmaker also offers international pedigree, having played every game at the Under-21 European Championship this summer. Mc Atee was named as the England captain for the tournament, and received the Player of the Match award after Lee Carsley's side defended their title with victory over Germany in the final. He also has Premier League experience under his belt beyond just last season. After helping Sheffield United to win promotion from the Championship in 2023, Mc Atee then made 30 top-flight appearances for the Blades in the following season, who were relegated straight back down. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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