Nathan Ake made 26 appearances for Manchester City last season, but is still just a squad option for Pep Guardiola. With serious competition ahead of him, it’s difficult to see how the 27-year-old can become a regular starter for the Premier League champions.
That’s obviously seen transfer talk encouraged, and Newcastle United are one of the clubs who have been repeatedly linked to the defender in recent weeks.
Eddie Howe is looking for an addition in central defence, and Newcastle have funds to spend following their takeover and subsequent escape from relegation to the Championship.
This week had already seen talk of Manchester City asking a huge fee for Ake, which could put Newcastle off, however, the player himself doesn’t seem keen on a move anyway.
He’s determined to succeed for Guardiola’s side, and is clearly optimistic ahead of the coming season.
The defender is also looking forward to playing alongside new signing Erling Haaland: “That will be fun in training. He is of course very powerful and has a nose for goal. In the way we play, we may need that type of player too. He’s a very different type of player than we have now. I think he is a very good asset.”
With Nathan Ake’s mind set on Manchester City, and the transfer cost being hyped, it’s perhaps best for Newcastle United to look elsewhere.
