Leeds United have been boosted in their hopes to sign James McAtee on loan this summer, with Manchester City willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.

The Lowdown: McAtee impressing at Man City

The 19-year-old continues to catch the eye at the Premier League champions' academy, registering 46 goal contributions (27 goals and 19 assists) in just 52 appearances for their under-23s.

It is clear that McAtee is going to struggle to break into Pep Guardiola's first team in the near future, though, given the world-class quality ahead of him in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

For that reason, sending him out on loan for the 2022/23 campaign feels like the logical next step in his career.

The Latest: Leeds could sign McAtee on loan

According to The Athletic, that is exactly what City are planning to do this summer, and Leeds are one of the clubs linked with an interest in snapping him up.

Leicester City, Brighton, Southampton and Aston Villa are also believed to be in the conversation, and while some of those suitors are keener on a permanent signing, a loan move will have to satisfy them for now.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

McAtee joining could be an ideal situation for all parties, allowing him to mature as a footballer and also enjoy more playing time than with Guardiola's first team.

Attacking midfield is an area where Leeds still seem a bit light, despite the signing of Brenden Aaronson, so the City youngster could provide good depth in that area of Jesse Marsch's squad.

Granted, McAtee only has two Premier League appearances to his name, but his aforementioned goal and assist tally at underage level shows how ruthless he can be in the final third.

He has also won the praise of past and present City stars, with Joleon Lescott dubbing him a "highly regarded" talent and the mercurial Kevin De Bruyne hailing his "quality", so he could be well worth a go for Leeds in the loan market.