Bayer Leverkusen have held talks with Manchester City over a deal for James McAtee.
The Bundesliga side, who have also approached Aston Villa over a loan move for Emiliano Buendia, had pinpointed McAtee as their number one target to replace Martin Terrier who has suffered an Achilles tendon rupture.
Coach Xabi Alonso is a confirmed admirer, having been made aware of McAtee's emergence at City and the 22-year-old's lack of regular starting opportunities.
Mail Sport reported earlier this month how a number of Bundesliga sides - including Dortmund, Mainz and Stuttgart - had registered interest in the highly-rated McAtee, and it is Leverkusen who have stepped to the fore by holding high-level conversations with City.