Man City's James McAtee joins Sheffield United on loan

Highly-rated Manchester City youngster James McAtee has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old made his senior debut for Man City last season and will now get more senior football experience in the Championship with the Blades.

Speaking to Sheffield United's official website after making the move, McAtee said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge, I've been building up to a loan for a few years now and I think I'm ready.

"Paul [Heckingbottom] was a lovely guy to meet, he showed me around and made me feel welcome. He was telling me about how he sees me playing and that's how I see it too. The way Sheffield United play suits me and hopefully I can help with creative options. Manchester City are obviously happy with the club, they want me to get some game time and experience."

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Manager, Paul Heckingbottom, was similarly enthused by the transfer, saying:  "James a talented player, someone who rated very highly at City and throughout football. We are excited to get him."

"We know there was a lot of interest in him, we registered ours last year but obviously James wanted to get in the Manchester City squad. As soon as he became available for loan, his agents did a really good job, presented the clubs who were interested and I believe we were the only one in the Championship who he wanted to speak to, among interest from the Premier League and abroad.

"We put our best foot forward, we told James what he can expect from us but likewise what we expect from him and he wanted to come. We are grateful to Manchester City, we think we are a good place for young players and comparisons have been drawn, we have huge expectation and a major fan base."