Everton did not even play on Saturday, but an injury to Rayan Ait-Nouri during the loss to Tottenham could cause a problem for David Moyes.
The Manchester City No.21 went down twice in apparent agony within just 23 minutes, ultimately being forced off the pitch through what is believed to have been an ankle problem.
Nathan Ake replaced the Algeria international, and with Everton keen to sign the Dutchman, Pep Guardiola might now decide he needs to keep the defender at the Etihad Stadium.
Everton could be impacted if injury to Rayan Ait-Nouri is serious
Manchester City News understand the Citizens are open to selling Ake to Everton as we approach the September 1st transfer deadline, following the arrival of Ait-Nouri.
Graeme Bailey has described the saga as an “interesting one to keep an eye on” as we approach the final week of the transfer window.
Nathan Ake pointing during Manchester City FC v Wydad
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
However, as the £31m arrival from Wolves received treatment on his way off the field – following what appears to be a serious issue – Guardiola is probably thinking about keeping the Netherlands international.
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Everton have already signed Jack Grealish on loan – and are understood to have asked about other squad players at Manchester City – but Ake may now be one Moyes has to cross off his list.
Nathan Ake sale would be especially risky as Manuel Akanji nears Galatasaray move
Manchester City have already decided to weaken the backline, with Guardiola leaving Manuel Akanji out of the squad as the Switzerland international nears a move to Galatasaray.
Manchester City have an agreement with Galatasaray over a deal worth £15m – which is the same sum the Citizens spent to sign the Swiss defender from Borussia Dortmund back in September 2022.
Ederson and Manuel Akanji shake hands during Manchester City v Southampton.
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Ederson is also wanted by Galatasaray and a bid worth £8.5m has already been made.
As this move advances, it would be risky of Manchester City to sell Ake as well, especially after the injury to Ait-Nouri, so there are numerous reasons why Everton should start to think about other targets.