Newcastle on alert as Man City defender told he can leave club

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has reportedly been told he can leave the club this summer, and Newcastle United have been made aware of the player’s situation. 

As per TalkSPORT, the Dutchman is regarded as surplus to requirements at The Etihad, and will be allowed to leave if there is interest in him.

The 27-year-old Chelsea academy graduate joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Bournemouth for more than £40 million in 2020, but has struggled to maintain a regular starting spot.

The defender started just ten league games this season, and has played only 40 times during his two seasons in Manchester.

It appears that his former boss Eddie Howe, who he worked with at Bournemouth, is prepared to give him a lifeline and the chance to resurrect his career, though.

The Magpies boss worked with the defender during his three years in charge of the Cherries, and reportedly enquired about potentially signing the Netherlands international in January, but Guardiola rebuffed the approach.

Ake starred for Bournemouth but has struggled for game time at City

Ake has made more than 200 appearances in English football during spells with the Blues, Bournemouth and City, as well as loan spells with Reading and Watford.

He was signed by Guardiola in a bid to bolster his backline and provide the likes of Aymeric Laporte and John Stones with competition for places.

He has played very little football, though, and Guardiola has now decided that the Dutchman can leave this summer.

Newcastle reportedly view Ake as a potential alternative to Sven Botman, who is regarded by the club as one of their top targets for this summer’s transfer window.

Ake has won two Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup during his time in Manchester.