Rangers-linked wonderkid James McAtee has signed a new contract at Premier League champions Man City.
The Gers were credited with interest in McAtee towards the back end of the January transfer window by the Daily Mail.
It was reported that they were in a three-way race with Swansea City and Girona to land the England youth international on loan for the rest of the season.
A subsequent report claimed that he’d rejected a move to Ibrox, but Rangers media partners Heart & Hand rubbished that claim while simultaneously confirming the club’s interest.
In the end, the 19-year-old stayed put at the Etihad on Pep Guardiola’s instructions, despite the fact that he’s only made three first-team appearances to date.
And on Wednesday, McAtee committed his future to City.
Rangers-linked McAtee signs new City deal
The gifted attacking midfielder signed a three-year extension, tying him down until the summer of 2026.
“This is a really proud moment in my career, and I am so grateful to the Club for showing their faith in me,” he told mancity.com. “I’ve been here since I was 11 and I can’t thank everyone enough for everything they have done for me.”
“I have worked with some brilliant coaches in the Academy, who have put me in a position to be able to train and play with Pep Guardiola and the first team, which is all I’ve ever wanted to do.
“I’ve been really pleased with my progress this season and I am sure I am in the right place to keep improving, so it feels amazing to know I will be a Manchester City player for another four years.”
It’s clear that City think very highly of McAtee and he could well receive further opportunities at first-team level over the coming months.
His situation may be reviewed again in the summer, but at this stage, it looks unlikely that a switch to Ibrox will ever materialise.
Meanwhile, Ryan Jack has sent a message to his teammates following Rangers’ Old Firm defeat.