West Ham United have already sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur this summer. They will need to strengthen their midfield, and one option could be to sign James McAtee from Nottingham Forest.
Ekrem Konur posted on X: "West Ham are making a strong push for James McAtee. After dropping to the Championship, the Hammers are seeking reinforcements and could prioritise a loan with a buy option for the English playmaker."
The Hammers' midfield has been further weakened after Tomas Soucek is expected to be out long-term with an ankle injury. However, the problem he suffered whilst on international duty has all but ruled out a potential transfer away from the club.
Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse will or have returned to West Ham following their loans at Fenerbahce and Burnley last season. However, Alvarez could be on his way to FC Köln. Ward-Prowse has been out of favor with Nuno Espirito Santo since he played for him at Forest.
James McAtee could be in for a reunion with Nuno Espirito Santo
McAtee also played for Nuno at Forest. The current West Ham manager signed him for the Midlands club after he was lacking game time at Manchester City. However, McAtee featured in just two games for Nuno, including the 3-0 loss to West Ham.
The midfielder went on to play just 26 times for Forest last season. He scored just once and made two assists. It would appear that a fresh challenge is needed for the player. However, with Elliot Anderson joining Manchester City, Forest may now want to keep McAtee.
McAtee would be a useful option for Nuno in the Championship next season. He scored nine goals with three assists in 37 games in the division whilst on loan at Sheffield United. This helped the Blades finish second and gain promotion back to the Premier League. He then had a season on loan at Sheffield United in the Premier League, but they suffered relegation.
He is predominantly an attacking midfielder, but can play centrally as well as on the wing. McAtee is also just 23 and helped England win the European Under-21 Championship last year. Dropping down to the second tier of English soccer could be good for McAtee's development.
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