Premier League clubs on red alert for James McAtee as contact made for Nottingham Forest transfer

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Premier League clubs are reportedly on high alert over the future of Nottingham Forest midfielder James McAtee, with fresh contact made regarding a potential January move. The 23-year-old only joined Forest from Manchester City in a deal worth up to around £30 million in the summer, but his lack of game time at the City Ground has quickly placed his situation under scrutiny.

McAtee has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, logging limited Premier League minutes despite arriving with a strong reputation following productive loan spells at Sheffield United and his long development at City. His marginal role under a succession of Forest managers has led several top-flight sides to explore whether Forest would be open to a deal this month, either on loan or permanently.

Interest is said to come from multiple Premier League suitors who view McAtee as a high-upside creative midfielder whose technical quality and versatility could be unlocked in a more stable environment. Some of these clubs have already made initial enquiries, putting Forest under pressure to clarify their stance as the window progresses.

Forest, for their part, face a key decision: either keep McAtee in the hope he can still make an impact in the second half of the season, or sanction an exit that could free up funds and squad space for other reinforcements. Any move would also have to take into account Manchester City’s sell-on and buy-back protections, which were built into the original transfer agreement.

As discussions continue behind the scenes, McAtee’s situation has become one of the more notable developing stories of the window, with clubs monitoring whether Forest’s resolve softens as the deadline draws nearer and the player weighs up the prospect of a fresh start to reignite his Premier League career.