WEST HAM fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.
The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.
Brazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.
And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.
McAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.
The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.
City were linked with Paqueta last season — backing away when a gambling probe came to light.
They may be interested again but a straight deal for McAtee is more likely than any kind of swap.
McAtee has made five first team appearances for City this season.
He started both of their Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
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The midfielder also netted his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.
McAtee has been an unused substitute in 10 of City’s 11 Prem matches this term, however, only making a very brief cameo against Ipswich in August.
