Pep Guardiola has joined the race for Bournemouth star Nathan Ake.
The Dutchman is already being watched by Tottenham and Manchester United, and now Guardiola’s Manchester City are considering a move.
Ake has established himself as one of the finest young defenders in the Premier League since joining the Cherries from Chelsea for £20million 16 months ago.
He had spent the first six months of the 2016-17 season on loan at the Vitality Stadium and continued the impressive form he showed during that period after making the switch full-time.
Guardiola, who has been watching Ake since he signed for Bournemouth, considered a move for the player in the summer.
He chose not to take his interest further during the close season but is closely monitoring Ake’s situation with a view to moving for him ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
The City boss likes Ake’s versatility — he can operate as a central defender, left-back or in defensive midfield — and believes he would fit in nicely with the rest of his squad.
There is also a feeling at the Etihad that the 23-year-old could develop into a world-class performer and the fact he qualifies as a homegrown player given the length of time he has been in England is also appealing.
He joined Chelsea as a 16-year-old, costing them £750,000 from Feyenoord.
Guardiola will face competition for Ake, who has been capped seven times by Holland, from Spurs and United, who are also keen.
Speaking about Mauricio Pochettino’s interest in his player last week, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s inevitable when the team is doing well people will naturally highlight our players as potential players who can go on and play at a higher level, a bigger club.
“That’s a compliment to Nathan and how he has played since he signed for us permanently.
“He has been a model of consistency.
“He picked up all the player awards at the end of last season and he has carried that form into this, so I have been really pleased with him.”