Everton face heavy competition for Bournemouth defender Ake
Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs to register an interest in Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, according to reports.
The 24-year centre back has built himself a solid reputation at Dean Court since signing from Chelsea on a permanent basis in 2017, and is now one of the star players in Eddie Howe’s squad.
Sky Sports report that as well as Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keeping tabs on the defender, with the clubs viewing him as a future star.
Chelsea are in pole position, as according to the report, the Blues have a £40million buy-back clause in his Bournemouth contract, and Frank Lampard is said to want to bring him back to Stamford Bridge after the club’s transfer ban was shortened.
Everton are in desperate need of another centre back after having failed to replace Kurt Zouma in the summer, and Ake could be a great option if they can beat away the other interested parties.
Read Everton Verdict
Personally I’d love to see Everton sign Nathan Ake, but I’m not sure that they would be able to beat out the other interested clubs. As a left-footed player with quality and Premier League experience, he’d fit into Everton’s starting line-up perfectly.
Ake has a personal connection with Chelsea, a relationship with Frank Lampard and the Blues have the option to bring him back for lower than Bournemouth would likely demand, meaning they are firmly in the driving seat.
However, Everton would definitely be able to offer immediate first-team football, which isn’t something that is guaranteed at the other clubs. While it doesn’t seem likely, stranger things have happened.