Manchester City line up shock bid for former Chelsea defender

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is mulling a surprise move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, claims The Daily Mirror.

Guardiola is on the market for a new centre-back this summer following the departure of captain Vincent Kompany.

Leicester star Harry Maguire was earmarked as Kompany’s ideal replacement but the Premier League champions have been priced out of a move.

Rivals Manchester United have already had a £70m bid for the England international rejected and City are not willing to match Leicester’s stunning £90m valuation.

Guardiola is now back at square one in his pursuit of Kompany’s replacement and has earmarked a surprise move for former Chelsea defender Ake.

Bournemouth paid a club-record £20m fee to sign Ake from Chelsea on a permanent deal in the summer of 2017 and the 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham since then.

Ake has developed into one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League outside the established top-six and now City are keen on the £40m-rated Netherlands international.

Ake started every league game for Bournemouth in the Premier League last season and only three outfielders racked up more minutes playing time than the Dutchman.