Leverkusen launch bid for Man City's McAtee as Terrier replacement

Bayer Leverkusen have reignited their interest in Manchester City's James McAtee by launching an official loan offer with an option to buy. Xabi Alonso's side are in direct talks with the Sky Blues to secure the 22-year-old midfielder as a replacement for the injured Martin Terrier.
McAtee has five goals in 14 appearances this season and has become a top target for Leverkusen, whose coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly a big fan of the player.
However, Manchester City and Guardiola are reluctant to let McAtee leave. In case the McAtee deal falls through, Leverkusen have identified Aston Villa's Emiliano Buendia as the main alternative.
With concrete talks over Buendia having been held at the weekend, Leverkusen are determined to strengthen their squad in January. The search for attacking reinforcements follows Terrier's season-ending Achilles injury.