Newcastle United transfer news: Nathan Ake responds to club-record transfer links with major vow on future

Nathan Ake is adamant he knows where his future lies amid claims he was being lined up for a club-record switch to Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola’s side are extremely well blessed for central defenders. Indeed, £40m man Ake probably finds himself fourth in the pecking order with Ruben Neves, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones all ahead of him. That said. Dutch defender Ake has looked more and more at ease in a Manchester City shirt.

Indeed, he made 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 season, scoring three goals in the process.

However, that has not prevented speculation linking Ake with a move to Newcastle United this summer. The Magpies, under their Saudi regime, will have vast swathes of cash to spend this summer.

And while their manager Eddie Howe is keen to play down their transfer plans, they are likely to bring in a number of sizeable signings.

Indeed, Howe wants to strengthen in all areas of his side. And a permanent deal for Matt Targett from Aston Villa is reportedly closing in.

Next on the agenda may well be a new goalkeeper, though links to Dean Henderson have eased in recent days.

However, perhaps the biggest new arrival could come in central defence with Howe reportedly keen on Ake.

The Dutchman played under Howe during their time together at Bournemouth.

And City would seemingly not stand in his way were he to ask to leave. That said, Pep Guardiola’s side would want a profit on their £40m investment, meaning any deal for Ake could cost a Newcastle club-record fee.

Ake, though, is adamant his future remains at the Etihad. Citing his growing confidence in their colours, Ake appears determined to push for more minutes under Guardiola in the forthcoming season.

Speaking to Dutch news outlet NOS,