Tottenham have identified Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake as the long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen, according to Football Insider.
The report claims they’ve told the 24-year-old Netherlands international of their plans and that they want to sign him this summer.
A club source said that he would be used as a left-sided centre-back who could also fill in at left-back.
FI claim that Ake has been told he will be a key player for Mauricio Pochettino, with a bedding in period leading to him eventually taking over from Vertonghen.
A previous report from the Sun claimed he would cost Tottenham £40million.
Good move for Tottenham?
Yes. Tottenham supporters might not be convinced but we’re fans of Ake and he had a positive season for the south coast club, playing all 38 Premier League games for Eddie Howe’s side. The 24-year-old signed from Chelsea in 2017 for £20.5million and would be classed as a homegrown player after being with the west London club since 2011. He’s young, very forward-thinking and comes with the versatility that Vertonghen offered, with the ability to fill in at left-back when needed. We think the Spurs fans will change their minds about Ake pretty quickly.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Who wouldn’t want to work under Pochettino and be told that he’s going to play a key role in north London? That’s a career-making move for Ake and a massive step up from Bournemouth. Of course, that’s only half of the equation, but if the price is right we can’t see Bournemouth standing in the way of what could be a dream move for Ake.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10