Manchester City defender linked with Howe reunion at Newcastle after being told ‘he can leave’

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has been told he can leave this summer and a potential reunion with Eddie Howe at Newcastle is on the cards.

Ake worked under Howe at Bournemouth before making the move to City and was part of the Cherries squad that was relegated in 2020.

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The former Chelsea man was a shining light for Bournemouth that season and earned himself a big money move to the Etihad the following summer.

Ake has won the Premier League in both of his season in Manchester but has never established himself as first choice with manager Pep Guardiola preferring Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones.

The Dutch international has made just 24 league appearances since joining City and has reportedly been told he can leave this summer.

That’s according to talkSPORT, who are reporting that Newcastle are targeting the player this summer as they look to strengthen this squad again this summer following a superb second-half of the season.

Lille defender Sven Botman and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos were heavily linked with the Magpies in January but the former is a target for Serie A champions AC Milan, whilst Carlos has joined Aston Villa.

City man Ake is seen as an ideal alternative for Newcastle with manager Howe a big admirer of the 27-year-old.

Elsewhere, City star Jack Grealish has hit back at criticism over his behaviour following their title win. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror on international duty, Grealish said: “It’s fine (being England’s poster boy). It is what it is. If that’s what people think, that’s fine. I think it’s a good thing to have – and you just have to embrace it.

“I try not to let anything get to my head. It’s