“Deal 80% Done: Everton Hijack Frankfurt Move as £35m Man City Star Nears Shock Exit”

Everton Handed Boost in James McAtee Pursuit as Player Leaves Frankfurt Without Agreement

Everton have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee after the highly rated youngster returned from a visit to Eintracht Frankfurt without agreeing terms.

The 21-year-old, who impressed for England in the U21 European Championship final in June, is actively seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with game time at a premium under Pep Guardiola. McAtee, whose current deal with City expires next summer, is now considered an increasingly attainable target for clubs eager to bolster their creative options.

Sky Sports report that while Frankfurt remain keen on securing McAtee’s services, no agreement has been reached following his visit to Germany. The lack of a formal offer has opened the door for other suitors—among them Everton and Nottingham Forest.

The Toffees have shown sustained interest in the City academy product, and the recent developments could now give them the edge. Forest are also in the race, particularly with Morgan Gibbs-White linked with a potential exit, but Everton’s urgency in the transfer market may put them in pole position.

New Everton boss David Moyes is determined to reshape his attacking unit ahead of the club’s upcoming pre-season tour of the United States. Having already secured the signing of French forward Thierno Barry last week, Moyes is pushing for further reinforcements in the final third.

“There’s a focus on providing Everton with more goals this season,” a source close to the club said. “The 62-year-old [Moyes] will want more creativity around his new striker.”

Barry was absent from Tuesday’s pre-season fixture against Accrington Stanley, with the 22-year-old currently enjoying a brief summer break before linking up with the squad. Everton won that game at the Wham Stadium, but Moyes is aware that further signings are necessary before the new campaign begins.

The clock is ticking for the Merseyside club, who face Blackburn Rovers this Saturday before jetting off to the US, where they will take on Bournemouth next weekend. Moyes is reportedly keen to have his new arrivals in place before the squad departs, making the next few days pivotal.

With no confirmed bid yet submitted to Manchester City, Everton will now weigh up whether to firm up their interest in McAtee and test the waters with an offer. His contract situation, coupled with his desire for regular football, makes a move increasingly likely in the coming weeks.

Everton’s transfer team, led by Angus Kinnear, will need to act swiftly. “It’s time for him to get on with it and land Moyes the players he wants,” one insider commented.

The opportunity is there—and Everton may not get a better one.