In an apparent blow to both West Ham and Newcastle United’s January plans, The Athletic report that centre-back target Nathan Ake will not be allowed to leave Man City.
Both clubs have been linked with the 23-cap Netherlands international in recent times, with Eurosport claiming Ake is more interested in the prospect of joining the Hammers than the Magpies.
Update provided on Man City’s Ake
Ake joined City for a reported £41m in August 2020.
He helped them to the Premier League title in his first season but has only ever played a bit-part role under Pep Guardiola and has played less than 800 minutes of football so far this campaign.
This led West Ham and Newcastle to believe he could be available during the upcoming transfer window.
However, The Athletic reports that the Citizens won’t be considering offers for the defender next month.
It’s asserted that Ake has not specifically requested to move on and that Guardiola doesn’t want to weaken his squad.
Transfer blows for West Ham and Newcastle
It’s easy to see why these two clubs were interested in 26-year-old Ake.
He’s a good age, has plenty of Premier League and international experience, is athletic and has good leadership qualities.
Current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe worked with him previously at Bournemouth, so there’s a connection there, while West Ham are in need of another left-footed centre-back with Angelo Ogbonna set to be a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury.
Yet, it looks like both sides are now going to have to look elsewhere if they are to strengthen next month, and perhaps they’ll have more luck regarding Ake if they return in the summer.
The Dutchman is under contract until 2025, though, so he won’t be cheap.
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