Everton want to sign Nathan Ake, first-team football key to deal
Everton are keen to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer, with the offer of first-team football a key focus of the deal according to the Daily Mail.
Ake joined Man City from Bournemouth in a £40m deal after their relegation, and made 19 starts in the Premier League this season as they wrapped up a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.
But Ake is said to be unhappy at the amount of playing time he received and Frank Lampard could look to make a move for the Dutch international this summer as he looks to bolster his side.
The report states that Pep Guardiola is unlikely to be a willing seller, but a loan deal could be an option if the player opts to push for a move for more regular minutes.
With Everton proving to be relatively local and able to offer most regular football, Ake would be interested in a move although there have been no formal talks yet.
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When Ake left Bournemouth he was wanted by many clubs, including Everton, but in the end opted for Man City despite it being clear he wouldn’t be first choice with Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones ahead of him.
However having started half the Premier League games that was quite unexpected, although many of those appearances also came at left-back.
Lampard needs to bolster his defensive unit, with question marks over the future of many players in the air after they scraped survival from the Premier League.
Ake would represent a good deal to do, with high level experience and being at a good age. He’s also proven to be a leader and has the backing of Virgil Van Dijk who described his international colleague as ‘fantastic’ after his move to City.
A loan with an option to buy would be perfect for everyone, and could give the Toffees the lift they need to push themselves up the table.
In other Everton news, how Frank Lampard’s dream Everton XI could look after the transfer window