Manchester City have held discussions about signing Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

The former BBC reporter claims manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the former Chelsea defender after monitoring the player’s progress before the January transfer window.

Ake is said to be valued at around £40m by Bournemouth but the Dutchman could be sold for significantly less if the Cherries drop down into the Championship.

Chelsea previously had a buyback clause for the 24-year-old, and it is thought that the Blues would be the only rival if the Citizens do make a move for the Dutch international.

Ake is by no means the only centre-back that the Manchester club are looking at, with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar and Dan-Axel Zagadou being monitored.

City are determined to reinforce their backline ahead of next season due to the lack of defensive cover which has cost them points in their battle with Liverpool for the Premier League title.