Manchester City issue ‘hands off’ warning amid interest in defender

Manchester City failed to score for the first time this season on Tuesday, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Danish side FC Copenhagen. 

Pep Guardiola’s side played an hour with ten man after left-back Sergio Gomez was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity, and they also missed the chance to take the lead when Riyad Mahrez saw his penalty saved.

City now turn their attention to Sunday’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, who already find themselves 13 points behind the reigning Premier League champions.

While all eyes will be on Anfield on Sunday, in the meantime it has emerged that City are already having to fend off interest in one of their stars.

According to 90min, City have told a number of clubs that defender Nathan Ake will not be for sale in January.

The Dutchman has reportedly attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including German champions Bayern Munich and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Ake is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs

Italian clubs Inter Milan and Juventus are also thought to have shown an interest, however City have already notified all interested parties that the player will not be available during the upcoming window.

Ake, 27, was heavily linked with a return to Chelsea over the summer but ultimately stayed put and has since played regularly for Guardiola’s side.

The Spaniard insisted that he wanted the player to remain a part of his squad, with his versatility appealing to his boss.

Ake is able to play at centre-back, left-back and even as a defensive midfielder.

The Netherlands international has made nine appearances so far this season, taking his tally for the club t0 49.

The arrival of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund over the summer had threatened to hinder Ake’s playing time, but the defender has remained an integral part of Guardiola’s side.

Ake joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 for a fee of around £40 million, having impressed during his three-year stay with The Cherries.

His first season at The Etihad was hampered by injury, though, and he made just 13 appearances across all competitions.

Last term he was used more frequently by Guardiola, making a total of 27 appearances.