Sheffield United eye transfer move to bring Salford Silva back to Bramall Lane and beat off European interest

JAMES MCATEE fancies a return to Sheffield United on loan and is hoping to get Pep Guardiola’s blessing.

The Salford Silva helped the Blades win promotion last term.

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James McAtee is open to returning to Sheffield United[/caption]

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But City would prefer to send McAtee to a top-half Prem side[/caption]

But he is now back at Manchester City and came on when the Treble winners started their Prem defence at Burnley.

City blocked moves for McAtee until they secured Bernardo Silva but that has now been sorted.

Guardiola would prefer to send McAtee, 20, on loan to a top European club or a top-half Premier team.

City fear a move to a struggling side would not suit his style.

But McAtee is keen on United, where boss Paul Heckingbottom has been waiting for the chance to take him.

McAtee scored nine goals and added three assists as the Blades won promotion from the Championship.

In July McAtee told reporters: “I’ve not really had talks with him (Pep). He’s been busy with a lot of things.

“They’ve been busy celebrating the triple, which I’m over the moon for them about.

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“He just said, to get your head down and work hard in pre-season.”

McAtee was an unused sub in their 2-1 win over Sheffield United today.

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