Manchester City are reportedly set to hold talks with the Football Association over James McAtee's availability this summer amid a clash of tournaments.
The 22-year-old academy graduate struggled for game time in the first half of this season, but he has gradually been given more minutes under Pep Guardiola since the turn of the year.
McAtee has chipped in with seven goals in 24 appearances for City across all competitions, most recently scoring on his first Premier League start in last weekend's 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace.
The attacking midfielder is currently focused on ending the season strongly, with Man City bidding to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League, as well as win the FA Cup.
However, McAtee will soon be presented with a dilemma over whether to represent Man City at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup or play for England at the Under-21 European Championship.
McAtee is eligible to represent the Three Lions at the Under-21 tournament held in Slovakia, but England's defence of their crown coincides with Man City's Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
© Imago
Will McAtee play for Man City or England Under-21s this summer?
According to the Daily Mail, Man City are due to hold conversations with the FA to discuss McAtee's availability, with England Under-21s coach Lee Carsley set to hold discussions with Citizens officials over the coming weeks to ascertain whether he can call upon the attacking midfielder.
England are keen to have McAtee available for this summer's Under-21s Euros, with their campaign beginning with a group-stage encounter against Czech Republic on June 12.
Man City, however, are scheduled to fly out to Miami, Florida the same week ahead of defending their Club World Cup title, with their opening fixture of the newly-expanded tournament to be played against Wydad AC on June 18.
It is understood that clubs possess the power over whether players are released to national teams at age group levels.
McAtee has been an integral member of the England Under-21s setup in recent years, recording seven goals and four assists in 18 international games and starring alongside the likes of Liam Delap and Morgan Rogers, the latter of whom is now representing the senior national team.
Uncertainty over McAtee's summer plans comes at a time when he is reportedly 'very open' to the prospect of swapping Man City for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
Oliver Thomas
