Transfer insider: £50m title-winner could be “more likely” to join Newcastle than Sven Botman

Newcastle United target Nathan Ake is ‘more likely’ to arrive at the club this summer than Sven Botman, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Centre-back is believed to be a position of priority for manager Eddie Howe yet bringing in additional reinforcements is proving to be a difficult task at this moment in time.

Back in January, Newcastle saw a bid turned down by LOSC Lille for Botman before they revived their interest in the 22-year-old following the conclusion of 2021/22.

However, reliable reporter Craig Hope recently revealed that the Magpies ‘remain stuck’ in their negotiations for the Netherlands Under-21 international.

Due to the impasse in talks between Newcastle and Lille over Botman, it seems as though the North East outfit have sensibly kept their options open regarding alternative targets.

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook has previously claimed that Nathan Ake has been informed by Manchester City that he can leave the club this summer after struggling for game time.

It’s believed that Howe enquired about Ake in the winter window and remains a ‘big admirer’ of the 27-year-old following their time together at Bournemouth.

Jones believes that although Botman to Newcastle has ‘been touted for a long time’, the speculation surrounding Ake is something to be taken ‘quite seriously’.

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He told GiveMeSport: “Obviously, he’s been touted for a long time, but there’s never really been a likelihood he comes.

“I think that actually, one of the more likely names is Nathan Ake. Even though right now he’s been talked about and linked with other clubs, I would take Ake to Newcastle actually quite seriously.”

Ake has claimed two Premier League titles and a League Cup crown