David Moyes targets Nathan Ake after big West Ham blow | OneFootball

West Ham manager David Moyes is targeting a move for Nathan Ake this winter…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, who dropped the fresh transfer claim earlier this week. It’s thought that the 26-year-old has become their primary target after the season-ending injury blow to Angelo Ogbonna.

“Excl: West Ham interested in signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City. Club in the market for a new CB after Angelo Ogbonna’s injury and haven’t won any of the 3 PL games he’s subsequently missed. Loan/permanent deal both options,” he also tweeted.

The Irons are yet to win in his absence, and having already recognised the need for reinforcements in the backline, the addition of a new centre-back has become a leading priority during the upcoming window.

Ake has struggled to make his mark at Manchester City following a £41m move from AFC Bournemouth in summer 2020 and it’s believed that the Hammers will seek a loan-to-buy agreement for the Dutch colossus.

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Indeed, the east London outfit have struggled defensively without the Italian colossus, losing to Wolves and City themselves, whilst they were pegged back by a late Neal Maupay bicycle kick against Brighton last time out.

Moyes has opted for a duo of summer signing Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson, with the Scot clearly not fancying Issa Diop despite some impressive displays in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this term.

Ake would be an intriguing option to consider and one for whom head of recruitment Rob Newman should ultimately make a move.

The Citizens’ director of football Txiki Begiristain waxed lyrical about his qualities after signing him last summer. He said:

“Nathan is a quality defender. He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.”

Standing at 5 foot 11, the Netherlands international is hardly a towering presence but he offers attributes defensively, particularly on the ball, and is versatile enough to play at full-back too.

Former teammate, Cherries captain Steve Cook, once lauded him as an “amazing player” and an “even better person” following the confirmation of his move to City.

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Across the course of his career, Ake has averaged 1.7 attempted tackles, 1.4 interceptions and an 84.3% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, which reinforces his qualities at the back.

Valued at €30m (£26m) by CIES Football Observatory, also earning in the region of £100k-per-week, a move for the City centre-back wouldn’t be the most expensive transfer, and given Moyes’ now desperate need for defensive cover, Newman must look to seal his signature.