Date: 24th March 2017 at 6:25am
Written by:

Here at Shoot! we’ve always a watchful eye on the ever-changing transfer rumour mill as we look to keep you abreast of all the top talents linked with your clubs. This time we’re taking a deeper look at one man who could be a key factor in one of the summer’s biggest deals.

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, despite his injury lay-off, looks to be hot property this summer, and reports in The Sun have suggested that Chelsea could use 22-year-old Nathan Ake as a bargaining chip, alongside a hefty sum, in any offer for the Saints skipper.

The Netherlands U21 international impressed in the first half of the season whilst on loan down the coast from Southampton with Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side, before being recalled by Antonio Conte as cover for Marcos Alonso.

However, things haven’t quite gone as the defender would have liked since his return to Stamford Bridge, having made just two appearances since being recalled, both in the FA Cup.

Saints boss Claude Puel knows only too well the capabilities of Ake, who opened the scoring when he lined up for the Cherries against the French manager’s side before Christmas.

Reports have also suggested that Puel’s counterpart at Dean Court is looking to engineer a deal to bring his former loanee back on a permanent basis.

With all that in mind it looks like the Dutchman could well be on the move this summer, so we sent one of our Shoot! scouts along to find out what he’s all about.

What do you think of our scout’s report Saints fans? Would you like to see him at St. Mary’s? Do you think you’d be able to beat the Cherries to any deal? Let us know in the comments below…

 
Brought to you by Shoot!

Comments are closed.