Manchester City are in discussions with Bournemouth over a deal for defender Nathan Ake, according to a report.
The Citizens failed to replace long-serving skipper Vincent Kompany last summer and lost Aymeric Laporte to a long-term injury earlier this season.
City paid the price as John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi were unable to adequately fill the void, with boss Pep Guardiola conceding that centre-back had become a troublesome position.
The Athletic claims that City already have plans in place to bring in a new long-term partner for fit-again Laporte, having reached out to Bournemouth centre-back Ake.
However, the deal could be complicated by a buyback clause that Premier League rivals Chelsea are rumoured to have inserted in his contract when he joined the Cherries three years ago.
Ake, believed to be valued in the region of £40m, has made 116 appearances for Bournemouth in all competitions.
Daniel Lewis
