Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Eddie Howe has “recommended” Newcastle sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake during internal Toon transfer talks – a player that Jones claims Howe absolutely “loves”.
Reports earlier this week stated that Newcastle want to sign £50million-rated Ake, who has managed just 40 appearances in two seasons since leaving Bournemouth – where he played under Howe – to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, Newcastle are finding it difficult to justify spending that figure. Chelsea are also looking at a move to bring him back to Stamford Bridge, after losing the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
Journalist Jones states that while the price might be too much for Newcastle, Howe has recommended to his club that Ake is brought in. It is likely that his recommendation will be directed towards Ashworth.
“Howe loves him, he’s had him on his mind for quite a while. He recommended him as a signing for the summer and he’s potentially available. So if anything starts to happen with Ake, Newcastle will probably be in the conversation.”
Howe has ‘recommended’ Newcastle sign Ake
Ake would be a stunning addition. A left-footed centre-back, proven in the Premier League and a defender that knows Howe well. It is the perfect defender signing if Newcastle cannot secure Lille’s Sven Botman.
Talks have got to a point that Newcastle are now ready to walk away from the negotiating table. If so, Ake would be the next best thing. However, The Toon would have to claw back Manchester City’s huge asking price.
Signed for £40million, the expectation might have been that City would charge less given he has only played 40 times in two seasons – but they want a £10million profit. If Newcastle can engineer a deal, it is excellent business.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
