James McAtee set to join Man City's pre-season tour of the USA as Pep Guardiola looks to decide youngster's future... with Chelsea one of multiple Premier League clubs keen on him

James McAtee is scheduled to travel with Manchester City on their pre-season tour of the United States amid interest from Chelsea and a host of other Premier League rivals.

The 21-year-old has spent the past two campaigns on loan at Sheffield United, playing 75 games for the Blades across their promotion and relegation seasons.

City, aware that Chelsea are among those watching the academy graduate’s progress, are planning for McAtee to link up with Pep Guardiola’s squad for a four-match tour of the States.

New Blues boss Enzo Maresca had attempted to land the attacking midfielder while manager at Leicester City last summer but missed out on his signature.

McAtee went away with City to Asia in 2023 before a return to Sheffield United was secured once the league had started.

The expectation is for Guardiola to take another look at his development this time before a decision is made on the England Under-21 international’s immediate future.

McAtee, who has made seven senior appearances for City, has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola’s pool will be boosted by a number of youngsters in America, given a significant amount of City’s squad remain at the European Championship and Copa America.

Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Ederson are the headline names who will be there throughout, while Belgium’s elimination at the last-16 stage opens up the prospect of Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku flying out midway through the tour.

Players’ union FIFPro recommend three weeks of holiday between tournaments and pre-season training, which would take the pair to City’s second or third stops on their visit Stateside.

Guardiola has, however, been known to afford players longer breaks. Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic went out in the group stage.