Everton will look to strengthen their pool of defensive options this summer, and past praise from Jack Grealish suggests Nathan Ake could be a great addition.
David Moyes is thought to want to prioritise a new centre-back and left-back this summer.
The likes of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are ageing, and Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness issues have been well documented.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
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And while the club are hoping to extend Vitalii Mykolenko’s contract, there is room to upgrade on the Ukraine international.
In recent days, Everton have again been linked with Nathan Ake (via TEAMtalk), after first showing interest last summer.
And he’s someone who Jack Grealish would probably be all for signing.
What Jack Grealish said about Everton target Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake and Jack Grealish on the bench for Manchester City.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Ake is expected to leave Manchester City this summer having struggled for regular minutes this season.
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The rise of Abdukodir Khusanov and the recent signing of Marc Guehi has weakened his position, and he is therefore likely to move on.
Everton are thought to hold some interest – and signing him may not be a bad idea if a 2023 verdict from Jack Grealish is anything to go by.
He told mancity.com: “Nathan’s so strong defensively and I think he’s been unbelievable this season and one of our standout players.
“And I think a lot of City fans would say that also.
“He’s a brilliant guy and one of the nicest guys I have ever met in football and doesn’t have one bad bone in his body.
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Nathan Ake of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Southampton.
Credit: Getty Images/Pedro Porru/MB Media
“He’s someone I get on really well with on and off the pitch.
“He works so hard every day on the training field and when he gets the ball, he just gives it to me all the time.
“And that’s what you want as a winger. You want your full-back to keep feeding you.
“But then when I am tracking back you feel so safe with Nathan behind us.
“He’s a great guy and I’m so happy for him because of the person he is. He is a lovely guy and so loved by everyone in the training room.”
Ake could be perfect for David Moyes
Ake being ‘so strong defensively’, and a player who is versatile enough to play as a full-back as well as in the middle, just makes him perfect for Moyes.
Grealish also speaks highly about his character, which is always an important aspect of any player these days.
Nathan Ake playing for Netherlands.
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
With Ake only having one year left on his contract at City, there is a potential bargain to be had here.
It would actually be a real surprise if Everton didn’t explore this.
At the moment Stones seems to be the more heavily linked player, but Ake ought to be somewhere near the top of Everton’s shortlist for all that he brings.
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