Newcastle are claimed to be keen on Nathan Ake.
Ex Bournemouth loanee Nathan Ake
Newcastle United have been linked with a loan move for Chelsea youngster Nathan Ake, report the Chronicle.
Ake was on loan at Watford last season and Bournemouth for the first half of this campaign before being recalled by Chelsea.
He though played only once in the Premier League for the Blues after being recalled, making a further three appearances in cup competitions.
The Independent reported on deadline day that Bournemouth had a deadline day bid of £18 million turned down for the 22-year-old, which shows how highly Chelsea rate him.
Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Nathan Ake warm up
His lack of action could see a loan deal be agreed again next season although Ake may wish to fight for his place.
If anybody stands a chance of convincing him, then Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is up there.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Benitez handed Ake his debut for Chelsea back in 2013 when he was a teenager, and selected him to start at Europa League quarter-final.
The Spaniard’s personal website includes a testimonial from Ake about his enjoyment working with Benitez, which states: “I liked Benítez. He helped young players. He talked to me after games, after training, about positioning and how I could improve”.
Speaking to the BBC after handing Ake his debut in the FA Cup, Benitez described the versatile youngster as a fantastic talent and professional.
Getting the chance to work together four years on could be just what each other need, and Ake is likely to give it serious consideration if the opportunity presents itself.
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