West Ham United face a potential setback in their pursuit of James McAtee, with the midfielder determined to fight for his Nottingham Forest future.
The Hammers have shown interest in the 23-year-old as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to add more creativity before the Championship season.
However, Football Insider reports that new Forest head coach Oliver Glasner wants to assess McAtee during pre-season.
McAtee is also eager to stay at the City Ground and earn a place under the Austrian.
The former Manchester City midfielder endured a difficult first season at Forest after joining for around £30m. Limited minutes had raised the possibility of an early departure.
West Ham may need to wait for McAtee
Glasner’s arrival has given McAtee a fresh opportunity to revive his Forest career.
West Ham must now decide whether to remain patient or move quickly for another creative target.
ReadWestHam previously reported that the Hammers had opened talks over a possible £30m McAtee deal.
A move would still make sense for Nuno. McAtee can operate between midfield and attack, while his previous Championship experience could prove valuable during a promotion push.
He scored nine goals during Sheffield United’s 2022/23 promotion-winning campaign and already understands the demands of the division.
However, Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell. McAtee remains contracted until 2030 and Glasner may prefer to judge him before approving an exit.
West Ham could therefore monitor his pre-season involvement while progressing alternatives such as Gustavo Sá and Evander.
If McAtee remains outside Forest’s starting plans, the door could reopen later in the window. For now, West Ham’s pursuit appears to have become more complicated.
