PIF green-light club-record Newcastle bid for 'underrated' defender - insider

It has been revealed that Newcastle United are seemingly willing to pay the required price tag for Nathan Ake.

It’s quite clear that the Magpies are in the market for a new centre-back, with Sven Botman the obvious number-one target, having seemingly overtaken Milan in the race to sign the Dutch U21 international for what is believed to be a fee of around €30m (£25.6m).

Lee Ryder has reported that Newcastle have a deal ready to put to Lille that will meet their asking price for Botman and it is now down to the defender to make a decision – something he wants to be sorted out before next week.

However, all isn’t lost if he doesn’t choose Newcastle, as they are also linked with a move for Manchester City’s Ake, who was even described as ‘underrated’ by Virgil van Dijk.

ExWHUemployee, known for his West Ham transfer news, has claimed on The Transfer Show that PIF are willing to pay £50m for Ake this summer.

He said: “They’re looking at Nathan Ake, Manchester City’s Dutch centre-back, left-footed. Apparently, Man City are looking for around £50m for him, of which Newcastle are happy to pay.

“I think that would be a good signing for them and obviously, there are the Eddie Howe links with Bournemouth as well, so Nathan Ake would be an interesting signing if they pull that off.”

TIF Thoughts on a deal for Ake…

Looking at the huge price tag £50m on Ake’s head, it’s no surprise that Newcastle are targeting Botman, who’s been a regular fixture in the Lille side for two seasons, is only 22 years of age and will reportedly cost around £25m less than Ake.

While Howe would likely welcome the arrival of someone like Ake, who he signed for Bournemouth, given the reported £60m budget the manager has to work with, it perhaps wouldn’t be a