Brentford linked with 8-goal playmaker along with Leeds United, Leicester City and Aston Villa

Brentford are reportedly keeping tabs on James McAtee’s progress on loan at Sheffield United. The Manchester City youngster has impressed with the Championship side this season and has helped them gain promotion to the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, the Bees are ‘interested’ in snapping him up this summer as they plot potential transfer targets. However, there is plenty of competition for his signature from the likes of Aston Villa, Burnley, Leicester City, AFC Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United.

Brentford have shown they are a great home for young talents though and like to give players plenty of first-team minutes. Thomas Frank’s side have had another impressive campaign this term and currently sit 9th with four games to spare.

McAtee, 20, was given the green light to leave Manchester City on a temporary basis to get some experience under his belt at Bramall Lane and hasn’t looked back since. He has made 37 appearances for Paul Heckingbottom’s men and has scored eight goals to date.

The Salford-born has been on the books at the Etihad Stadium for his whole career to date and has risen up through the academy of the current Premier League champions. He has played six games for their senior team but it remains to be seen whether he has establish himself in their squad due to the abundance of world class options they have in their ranks.

Brentford could offer him a great opportunity to play every week in the top flight. A lot of other teams are in the frame though.