Everton will reportedly compete with Newcastle United and West Ham United to sign 30-year-old versatile Dutch defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City this summer.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nathan Ake is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are scouring the market for a centre-back this summer and have held exploratory talks to sign the versatile Manchester City defender. Meanwhile, Newcastle United and West Ham United are also keen on signing the Dutch centre-back in the summer transfer window.

Nathan Ake and his Manchester City career so far

Nathan Ake has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in August 2020. While the Dutchman has been a dependable performer at the back for the Citizens, he has been in and out of the starting lineup in the last half a decade, with his game time dwindling in recent seasons.

The 30-year-old has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with ten goals and three assists. However, Ake faces an uncertain future at the Etihad amid rising competition for places. The Netherlands international has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with Everton, Newcastle United, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

A man in demand

Everton will dip into the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window after losing Jarrad Branthwaite to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are on the wrong side of 30. So, the Toffees need a new centre-back, with Ake emerging as a viable target. The report has claimed that Everton and Manchester City have been in contact over a move for the Dutch defender.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s interest in Nathan Ake is understandable. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid the advancing age of Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Jamaal Lascelles. So, while Malick Thiaw has joined Newcastle United, the Tyneside outfit can do with another central defender.

As for West Ham United, Konstantinos Mavropanos faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium. Additionally, Jean-Clair Todibo has blown hot and cold since joining the East London outfit. So, West Ham must sign a reliable centre-back, with Ake emerging as a viable target. Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Dutchman will not cost a bomb, with Manchester City valuing him at around £30-35 million.

With Everton beginning exploratory talks to sign Ake, Newcastle United and West Ham United have fallen behind in the battle for his signature. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the £30-35 million-rated Dutch defender.