Newcastle United have reportedly ‘definitely’ sounded out Nathan Ake as a potential signing this January.
Journalist Alex Crook was speaking on talkSPORT last night when he dropped the claim about the Magpies’ pursuit of the Netherlands defender.
Ake has been with City since the summer of 2020, joining Pep Guardiola’s side from relegated Bournemouth in a £40 million deal.
The star – a Premier League champion after his first term – has clocked up 26 appearances so far for the club. But he has mainly been a substitute at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola of course has Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte as his other options. So the competition for Ake is very tough.
There has been some speculation that he could perhaps move on this month.
But it seems at this stage that that is unlikely.
On Kick Off with Hugh Woozencroft & Danny Mills, Crook said of Manchester City’s stance on the player: “Nathan Ake is an interesting one, because I know that Eddie Howe and Newcastle have definitely sounded out Manchester City. At the moment, they’re being told that he isn’t available.
“That probably is as much to do with a lack of depth in that area for City. Not necessarily at centre-back, but he’s played left-back. They are short in the full-back areas, particularly when Kyle Walker is not fit.”
Currently, Newcastle are being linked with many central defenders.
Sven Botman is probably the man who has been written about the most. James Tarkowski has also been mentioned as a potential incoming.
Newcastle may have to abandon reported Nathan Ake pursuit
Newcastle don’t have any time to waste this month.
If City aren’t looking to let Ake go then it’s probably wise for the Magpies to switch their attention to other targets.
Howe has obviously worked with Ake before at Bournemouth and knows the player well.
Maybe he is someone to look at in future windows. Right now doesn’t seem like the best moment for a transfer to happen.
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