Tottenham have a strong interest in signing Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake as they keep close tabs on him, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claim Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is attracted by the Holland international as he presents a “strong option” at left-back as well as centre-back.
Sky Sports report Tottenham are keen to increase their home-grown quota and there is a real emphasis among the club’s recruitment team to scout centre-backs amid long-term doubts about Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
OPINION
Aged 23, Ake is a rising star in the Premier League and ticks a number of boxes for big-four clubs keen to strengthen in defence. He doesn’t have great height (Transfermarkt state he stands at 5ft 11in), but makes up for it with an excellent spring and he is extremely mobile with genuine recovery pace. He can turn quickly and is comfortable on the ball, something that is vital for any Tottenham defender. It’s intriguing that Pochettino and Spurs like Ake’s versatility, as there remain doubts over Danny Rose’s medium-term future at the club. Ake could tick both boxes, although whether he would be able to replicate the dynamism down the flank that Rose provides, if not so much the more defensively solid Ben Davies, is open to question. As to the chances of getting Ake, there is certainly likely to be stiff competition for the defender, who has made major strides under the shrewd guidance of Eddie Howe and his coaching staff during the last 18 months, initially on loan.