Tottenham Hotspur have already shown plenty of ambition since Thomas Frank was announced as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the Hotspur Way dugout, but the north Londoners' hopes of adding to the trophy cabinet will improve if they convince James McAtee to join from Manchester City.
Spurs have been forced to accept defeat in their attempts to lure Morgan Gibbs-White to the capital, with him signing a new contract at Nottingham Forest despite being the subject of a £60million bid from last season's Europa League winners, resulting in the recruitment department having to go back to the drawing board.
Mohammed Kudus has made the big-money switch to Tottenham since the transfer window reopened, completing a £55million move from West Ham United, but Frank needs to put pressure on chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange to splash the cash on McAtee as preparations are made for the upcoming campaign.
Spurs Enter Discussions Over McAtee Swoop
North Londoners exploring move for England under-21 international
Tottenham have been holding talks over a move for McAtee after they were snubbed by Gibbs-White, according to TBR Football, and he would be an exciting addition to a squad already brimming with attacking quality as Frank aims to continue making his mark ahead of his first season at the helm.
Although the 22-year-old has been described as 'exceptional' by journalist Ryan Taylor, he has still struggled to work his way into the forefront of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's plans since coming through the Etihad Stadium ranks, presenting Spurs with a golden opportunity to pounce.
McAtee played a crucial role in his current employers reaching the FA Cup final last term, thanks to finding the back of the net three times in four outings, and Tottenham are aware that they will have no issues meeting his wage demands as he is on a contract worth £15,000-per-week at this stage.
Spurs were threatened with legal action when they attempted to land Gibbs-White, with Nottingham Forest being adamant there had been an unlawful approach and a breach of confidentiality due to his release clause being triggered, but raiding Manchester City could prove to be the better option.
McAtee is still in the early stages of his career, meaning there is plenty of time for Frank to get the best out of him, and he would be a cheaper alternative to Tottenham's initial first-choice No.10 target as Manchester City have shown a willingness to sanction his departure for £35million ahead of the September 1 deadline.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: James McAtee registered four shots and grabbed an assist as the England under-21 side overcame Germany in the European Championships final last month
McAtee Hands Frank a Major Boost in Pursuit
Attacking midfielder has desire to remain in Premier League
Tottenham have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of winning the race for McAtee's signature as he has snubbed advances from Bundesliga trio Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen - along with admirers in Italy - due to his desire to prove his worth in the Premier League.
Spurs need to profit from the situation, despite turning Mathys Tel's initial loan switch from Bayern Munich into a permanent agreement worth £30million, as the England under-21 international is a major upgrade and would bring additional creativity to a side preparing to compete in the Champions League.
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for silverware by beating domestic counterparts Manchester United in the Europa League final two months ago, but snapping up McAtee would result in them regularly challenging for honours in the coming years as he has shown serious promise.
GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs were keeping tabs on the former Sheffield United loanee's situation in the final weeks of last season, having been alerted to the fact that he was poised to be put on the market, and Frank will forget about missing out on Gibbs-White if he can get the deal over the line.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 28/07/2025