Manchester City and West Ham are both in serious need of January reinforcements as their respective league positions prove.
West Ham and Premier League champions Man City have defied pre-season expectations – for all the wrong reasons.
Pep Guardiola’s previously imperious Man City side are in complete freefall having won just one of their last 12 games.
The Hammers have just never got going under his fellow Spaniard Julen Lopetegui.
As a result Lopetegui’s future is very much in question in east London and he faces a must-win game when West Ham go to Southampton on Boxing Day.
While Manchester City’s problems stem from injuries to key players, West Ham have no such excuse.
The Hammers are the club least impacted by injuries in the Premier League this season.
West Ham had expected to sell Lucas Paqueta to Man City for £85m before the spot-fixing case against him came to light.
Despite being denied that income, the Hammers still spent over £155m on nine new signings.
Things simply have not clicked, though, under Lopetegui.
Like Man City, midfield is a huge issue for West Ham.
Both clubs are sorely lacking in the middle of the park both in terms of power and athleticism as well as guile.
Man City and West Ham in talks over first January signing
The Hammers have a lack of options up front, especially since Michail Antonio’s car crash.
While Man City have Erling Haaland, he has admitted himself he needs to be performing better.
The Irons and Cityzens have both confirmed they will be looking to be active in the transfer window as a result.
Now Man City and West Ham in talks over exciting first January signing but there’s a problem.
West Ham have been criticised for failing to make good on their pledge to rebuild the team around young, exciting talent.
Only two of the nine arrivals in the summer were aged under 26.
West Ham now have the oldest squad in the Premier League as a result.
But the experience hasn’t helped push the Hammers on as they’ve regressed this season.
It seems technical director Tim Steidten has quickly realised the error of his ways.
Journalist Alan Nixon revealed last month that West Ham want James McAtee from Man City next month.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg then added further credibility to the claim by doubling down on that news.
McAtee is an exciting midfielder and – at 22 – is a great age too.
He enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Sheffield United over the last two years, scoring 14 goals and laying on eight assists in 75 appearances.
McAtee has played a meagre two minutes in the Premier League for Man City this season, despite their catalogue of injuries and issues.
Journalist reveals problem as West Ham move for McAtee
The Hammers have made good on the claims from Nixon and Steinberg by opening talks with Man City about a January deal for McAtee.
But now journalist Nixon claims there is an issue.
Because despite the silky midfielder being very much open to the move, Man City have told McAtee and West Ham they won’t let him go unless they sign a replacement first.
In a major update on Nixon’s Patreon, the Sun journalist says Manchester City have told the Hammers they will keep the England Under 21 star until someone arrives at the Etihad in January.
Nixon’s report states McAtee is looking to leave to get first team football.
Who can blame him as he watches the likes of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Romeo Lavia, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Liam Delap becoming revelations elsewhere.
It is stated that West Ham see McAtee as an ideal addition but will be made to wait after being told he will not be allowed out unless a new face comes in.
The Hammers will now keep a very close eye on Man City’s January transfer dealings.
If a new midfielder arrives at the Etihad then fully expect West Ham to bring McAtee to the London Stadium.
It’s very reassuring to know West Ham are going after a player of McAtee’s profile and ability.
That’s much more like the kind of recruitment supporters have been hoping and expecting to see with Steidten in charge of the football operation.
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