AVFC handed the chance to seal "underrated” £41m signing, it could be bye-bye Mings - opinion

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, with the Dutchman seemingly free to leave the Etihad this summer.

According to 90min, the Midlands side have been named as one of the clubs who are interested in the 27-year-old, with City said to be open to a departure if the ‘right offer arrives’.

The report suggests that while Pep Guardiola is a ‘fan’ of the Netherlands international – who he signed from Bournemouth on a £41m deal two years ago – the serial-winning coach is willing to cash in on the former Chelsea man, amid significant interest from across the Premier League.

The report goes on to add that some of the interested parties are keen on a loan deal, although it is not yet clear if the champions would sanction a temporary exit for the 27-cap gem.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard could seemingly have a new centre-back pairing on his hands if the £22.5m-rated ace is signed this summer, having already added Sevilla’s Diego Carlos to their ranks earlier this month.

That potentially formidable duo could hasten a departure for current club captain, Tyrone Mings, with the Englishman having come under fire last term for his underwhelming form, leading to reports that he could be set for the axe before the start of next term.

Pundit Danny Mills was particularly scathing of the 29-year-old, insisting that there is a “mistake in his game somewhere” and that the Villans are in need of an upgrade if they are to go to that “next level”.

While the £67-per-week brute compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues for his attacking input, ranking in the top 3% for assists and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area, the defensive side of his game has