MANCHESTER CITY have made their first move in their bid to land Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.
Pep Guardiola is on the look-out for at least one – and possibly two – new centre-backs this summer.
Man City have made the first move in the chase for Bournemouth star Nathan AkeCredit: AFP AFP or Licensors AFP or Licensors
And he is a long-term admirer of the versatile Dutch ace, 25, – who could also fill in at full-back.
While no bid has yet been lodged, it is believed an approach from City has gone into the relegation-threatened Cherries.
Last summer, he was valued at around £80million by the South Coast club – but if they do go down at the weekend they may have to accept around half of that.
Pep feels Ake could help fill the gap left by former skipper Vincent Kompany who left to return to Belgium 12 months ago.
He is also keen on Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly but there are doubts over the huge fee involved for the 29-year-old Senegalese.
Chelsea have also been linked with their former defender Ake and are believed to have a buy-back option.
Ake made 17 appearances across his six-year spell with ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors
Ake made 17 appearances in total during six years with the Blues, before making the permanent switch to Bournemouth in 2017.
The 11-cap international has since become a key figure for Eddie Howe’s side, but has been powerless to prevent their struggles this term.
Bournemouth currently occupy 19th position in the table, and will be relegated before they even kick another ball – should Watford avoid defeat against Man City tomorrow night.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
