'Look out': Journalist claims Howe really wants to bring 'fantastic' £50m PL star to Newcastle

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Dean Jones has backed Newcastle United to be “in the conversation” for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is reportedly on the lookout for new centre-backs this summer.

Ake, who has worked with Howe before, is apparently on the Newcastle manager’s radar.

TalkSPORT has reported that he has been told that he can leave the Etihad Stadium in the coming months.

Ake has made just 17 Premier League starts since he joined City from Bournemouth two years ago.

The Sun believe the 27-year-old will cost Newcastle up to £50million.

Howe was reportedly keen to sign him in January but ended up bringing in Dan Burn from Brighton.

Now, with Newcastle looking ahead to another Premier League season, could they swoop for Ake?

Jones, writing on GiveMeSport, reckons the Magpies are certainly keeping tabs on the situation.

“Eddie Howe loves him, he’s had him on his mind for quite a while now,” wrote the transfer journalist.

“He recommended him as a signing for the summer and he’s potentially going to be available.

“So of all the people being mentioned, look out in the background.

“If anything starts to happen with Nathan Ake, Newcastle will probably be in the conversation.”

Pricey, but would be an amazing signing for Newcastle – TBR View

Ake is a top-class defender, who fellow Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk has labelled “fantastic“.

He’d no doubt bolster the Newcastle ranks and help them build on their 11th-placed finish last season.

In addition, Ake knows what he will get working with Howe.

The Englishman helped the defender take his game to the next level while he was at the Vitality Stadium.

However, the price tag is quite high, and City aren’t exactly in need of selling.

So it remains to be seen how much the Magpies will be willing to spend on Ake.