Manchester United could throw a major wrench in Manchester City's plans as the latter recently agreed to sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Aké for the price of a £41million bid. The Red Devils are weighing throwing in a late bid to match, as they are in the market for a left-footed center back, according to Mikael McKenzie of The Express.
Even with the Aké deal on the line, City has not stopped its rampant pursuit of transfers, as they are still eyeing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Bournemouth is avidly looking to sell Aké, considering his contract does not include a salary reduction if the club is relegated. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was caught telling Aké “We need a left-footed center-back, so keep going” after the Red Devils beat Bournemouth 5-2 at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer denied such comments when quizzed upon at a press conference:
“I’ve got seven center-backs, so I don’t know where that comes from,” he said. “We’re fine.”
While a recent report from The Athletic noted Aké would prefer to move to Etihad Stadium because he wants to link up with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, United could look to spoil the party. City recently landed its top target of the summer in Valencia winger Ferran Torres, getting the transfer for a price well-under his market value.
Guardiola has been skeptical about dealing for Koulibaly after a recent letdown two years ago when City seemed poised to land Jorginho from Napoli. Chelsea spoiled the potential signing when they made a last-minute bid, as Jorginho chose his old manager Maurizio Sarri over Guardiola's Cityzens.
Manchester United might try to sweep the rug from underneath rival Manchester City and scoop up a quality Dutch defender in Aké, who could be up to Champions League form next season under the right tutelage. The club, however, has its eyes laser-pointed at Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jadon Sancho as the top target of this summer, a deal that could cost them upward of £100 million when finalized.
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