Tottenham Hotspur are now said to be keen on Nathan Ake, as they search for defensive recruits, the Daily Mail say.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Ake are said to be possible options for Tottenham, as Manchester City weigh up a bid for Harry Kane.
City know that Tottenham’s asking price for Kane may make a cash offer impossible.
But they are hoping that Ake, who was labelled ‘fantastic’ by Virgil van Dijk (Bournemouth Echo), and Jesus could act as sweetners in any deal.
And it is claimed that Tottenham do see the appeal in both players.
Ake has not featured particularly prominently since his move to City from Bournemouth last summer.
However, he has previously proven his class at Premier League level and could be an upgrade on any of Tottenham’s current defensive options.
Interestingly, the transfer may not have been possible for Spurs if Jose Mourinho had remained in charge.
Ake said Mourinho had left him mentally ‘broken’ after he wouldn’t give him a chance in Chelsea’s team as a youngster (Sky).
Spurs have struggled to find a reliable pairing in defence all campaign.
Jesus, meanwhile, would surely be as strong a replacement as Tottenham could realistically hope for if they did sell Kane, but the Brazilian is obviously not the same level of finisher as the England captain.
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