Manchester City in talks to sign former Chelsea defender

Manchester City have opened discussions with Bournemouth about signing Nathan Ake in a £35m deal, claims The Guardian.

Pep Guardiola has made signing a new centre-back a top priority for City this summer after relinquishing the Premier League title to Liverpool in stunning fashion.

City have already been heavily linked with moves for the likes of David Alaba and Kalidou Koulibaly but it has now emerged they have stepped up their interest in Ake.

Bournemouth are bracing themselves for offers for a number of their best players with relegation to the Championship around the corner.

Ake, who is also a transfer target for Manchester United, will be one of the first players to leave if they fail to beat the drop.

With the 25-year-old injured for Bournemouth's last two games of the season, City have used the situation to begin initial talks about a potential transfer.

The Netherlands international is also capable of playing at left-back, which is another position Guardiola wants to address this summer.

City can also expect competition from Ake's former club, Chelsea, who will turn to strengthening their defence after wrapping up a deal for Kai Havertz.

Chelsea sold Ake to Bournemouth for £20m in 2017 after a successful loan stint at Dean Court but opted against triggering a £40m buy-back option in the past.

Ake has played a direct hand in four goals in the Premier League this season (2 goals, 2 assists) and notably has a tackle success rate of 77.5%.