Everton’s search for defensive reinforcements is continuing to gather pace ahead of a crucial summer rebuild under David Moyes, with the club increasingly focused on adding proven Premier League experience to the back line.
Centre-back is expected to be one of Everton’s priority positions during the transfer window.
David-Moyes
While the Toffees briefly contended for Europe last season, there remains a clear feeling that the squad still lacks enough depth and quality defensively to push further up the table next season.
One player heavily linked with a return over the last fortnight has been former Everton defender John Stones.
The City hero is set to leave the Etihad this summer when his contract expires at the end of June, with Everton among the clubs monitoring his situation closely.
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The Toffees want to reinforce a key area of Moyes' squad.
Stones originally spent three-and-a-half years at Goodison Park before joining City in 2016 and remains highly respected by many around the club.
Now, another City defender has emerged as a target.
Everton exploring deal for Nathan Ake
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Everton are exploring a deal for Nathan Ake as City prepare for a significant squad reshuffle this summer.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake celebrate after the match
His report claims the Netherlands international could be available for around £20 million, with several clubs monitoring his situation. Bournemouth, Ake’s former club, are also believed to be interested.
Ake has been an important squad player for Pep Guardiola since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020, helping City win multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the Champions League.
However, injuries and fierce competition for places have limited his consistency over the last two seasons.
The 'underrated' Dutch defender, who has just one year left on his deal, still offers significant experience at the highest level.
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake
Capable of playing both centrally and at left-back, Ake is valued for his composure in possession, positional discipline and tactical flexibility.
Ake’s versatility could be particularly useful.
Everton are expected to review multiple defensive positions this summer, and bringing in someone capable of covering multiple roles would therefore make strategic sense financially as well as tactically.
The reported £20million asking price is also relatively reasonable in the current market for an experienced international defender.
Ake turns 32 next season, but his pedigree at both Premier League and international level means he would still represent a major signing for Everton if a deal became realistic.
Ake
Competition may still prove difficult, though.
Bournemouth are understood to be exploring the possibility of re-signing the defender they sold to City six years ago, while clubs abroad and domestically are also monitoring developments.
Ake only has one year remaining on his current City contract, which has increased speculation surrounding his future.
For Everton, though, the interest underlines the direction Moyes is trying to take the squad.
The Scot has consistently valued experienced and dependable defenders throughout his managerial career, and the links to both Stones and Ake suggest Everton are prioritising players with proven top-level quality.
After several unstable years both financially and on the pitch, Everton’s focus this summer is on building a squad capable of sustaining consistency across an entire Premier League campaign.
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David Moyes' side are keen.