Manchester City are set to pip Manchester United to the signature of Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake in what looks to be Pep Guardiola’s first summer signing ahead of next season.
Ake, 25, has played a key part in Bournemouth’s campaign having started 29 domestic games, scoring twice and helping his side secure four clean sheets.
Despite Bournemouth’s impending relegation from England’s top-flight, Ake is widely considered to be the Cherries’ best player.
United appeared to be favourites to sign the Dutch centre-back after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was allegedly heard telling Ake that the club are actively looking for a left-footed centre-back, as per The Mirror.
However, the saga now looks to have taken an unlikely twist as arch rivals City look to have all but secured the transfer of Ake from relegation stricken Bournemouth.
According to The Guardian, City are close to agreeing a fee believed to be in the region of £35m for the defender.
Ake’s contract with Bournemouth runs until 2022 but there it is understood that the club believe he will leave the south coast side once this season concludes.
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