James Mcatee Draws Leeds Interest as Forest Near Munetsi

james mcatee has started just one Premier League game for Nottingham Forest this season, and Leeds United have identified him as a clear target for the upcoming transfer window. The 23-year-old’s situation has shifted again with Forest closing in on Marshall Munetsi, a move that could narrow McAtee’s path even further.

Leeds United and McAtee

Leeds are part of McAtee’s transfer plans for the summer, with Daniel Farke’s side among the clubs tracking the midfielder’s availability. Mick Brown said Leeds have been long-term admirers of McAtee, and the interest has remained active as the window approaches.

Brown also said Forest will allow McAtee to find a new club this summer. That leaves Leeds watching a player who has barely been used since his arrival, but who still sits on their target list as they look at options for the next transfer window.

Forest and Marshall Munetsi

McAtee joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester City in a deal worth £30million last summer. Since then, opportunities have been rare. He had not played any minutes since the Europa League win over Porto on 9 April, which is the clearest sign of how far down the pecking order he has slipped.

Forest are understood to be close to an agreement in principle to sign Marshall Munetsi this summer. Munetsi previously worked under Vitor Pereira during their time together at Molineux, and Forest’s move for him comes as they are prepared to accept an offer that would see them cut their losses on McAtee.

Forest’s £30m decision

Forest want to recoup their £30m outlay for McAtee, but they are also prepared to sanction a cut-price deal. That gives the club a path to reset the midfield group while opening the door for the former England U21 international to move on after a season in which he started only one league game.

For Leeds, the practical step is simple: keep McAtee on the list and wait for Forest’s next move to sharpen the market. If Munetsi arrives and Forest push ahead with an exit, McAtee becomes one of the more obvious summer deals in front of Daniel Farke’s side.