Man City star wants to join Prem rival, and completed deal could see Guardiola say yes

A Manchester City star wants to re-join his former club, and while Pep Guardiola favours a different destination, he could give the greenlight following a completed deal, per a report.

Speculation Bernardo Silva could leave Man City rears its head each and every summer. It was no different this time around, with both PSG and Barcelona circling over the Portuguese playmaker.

However, Man City resisted the temptation to cash in and subsequently convinced Silva to pen fresh terms. The 28-year-old signed a new contract running until 2026 on August 23.

Per the Sun, Silva’s future being undecided until just last week was a key factor in City rejecting all approaches for James McAtee.

The 20-year-old occupies a similar role to Silva and is viewed as a player who could make an impact if given first-team opportunities.

However, with Silva successfully tied down for the long haul, the Sun suggest McAtee’s future is now back on the table. That’s news that’ll be greeted warmly over at McAtee’s former club, Sheffield United.

McAtee thrived during a season-long loan at Bramall Lane last season, with his nine goals and three assists helping fire the Blades to promotion.

The Sun state McAtee fancies a return to Sheffield Utd and will ask for Guardiola’s permission to change clubs. If granted, another loan deal will be discussed.

But while the Silva situation makes a McAtee exit more likely, Sheffield Utd do face issues.

Guardiola takes dim view of Sheffield Utd

Indeed, the report stated Guardiola would prefer to loan McAtee to either a ‘top European club or a top-half Premier team.’

Explaining why, it’s suggested the City boss believes moving to a higher ranking club would better suit the style of play City are instilling in McAtee.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom will fancy his chances of overseeing a fruitful season this year. However, it would be difficult to argue the club’s ambition stretches beyond simply avoiding relegation.

As such, while McAtee is willing to re-join the Blades, the club have a task on their hands in convincing Man City they’re the right place for McAtee to be.