Nottingham Forest want to sign Man City midfielder who Pep Guardiola absolutely 'loves'

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Nottingham Forest will enter the January transfer window in a position of immense strength due to their Premier League position, knowing that any potential incomings must be adding true quality.

With Forest’s Boxing Day win over Tottenham, Nuno Espirito Santo has lifted Nottingham Forest into third place in the Premier League table, adding security to their position in the European places heading into 2025.

Murillo was praised by Patrick Rowe of Sky Sports for his defensive display, whilst Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou applauded Matz Sels for his performance in the Forest goal.

In truth, though, Espirito Santo’s side weren’t truly troubled by the usually prolific Tottenham, giving the chance for Forest’s attacking stars to take centre stage.

Goalscorer Anthony Elanga hailed Espirito Santo’s pre-season as a key part of why Forest’s attack has clicked this season, with a recent report suggesting that this attack could be improved even more if one January move can be secured.

Nottingham Forest join the chasing pack for James McAtee

According to a report in the Telegraph, Nottingham Forest have joined a number of Premier League and European clubs in the pursuit of Manchester City’s midfield maestro, James McAtee.

The report said: “Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all understood to be keeping a close eye on McAtee's situation […], along with Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in Germany and Fiorentina and Bologna in Italy.”

Despite this seemingly endless list of suitors, the Telegraph stated that: “Pep Guardiola pushed hard to keep the 22-year-old following considerable interest from rival clubs.”

However, McAtee has only managed a total of two Premier League appearances for the struggling Premier League champions, alongside 72 minutes spread across three Champions League games.

McAtee could provide quality competition for Morgan Gibbs-White and would be a pleasure for the Forest coaching staff to work with, especially when considering the praise that iconic manager Guardiola has given to the Englishman in the past.

Pep Guardiola ‘loves’ Nottingham Forest-linked James McAtee

Given his technical ability, it’s no surprise that McAtee is the exact type of midfielder that Guardiola loves to work with.

This adoration was most apparent in City’s 4-0 Champions League triumph over Slovan Bratislava, a game in which McAtee scored.

Guardiola said: “He’s adorable, all the guys love him. […] McAtee moved so well in the small spaces, he made a fantastic goal and had another chance so for him it’ll be a good boost.”

McAtee had seven touches in the opposition box in his 30 minutes on the pitch in the game, highlighting that he could be the perfect alternative for Gibbs-White’s abilities at Forest whilst maintaining a similar level of quality at the City Ground.