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Bournemouth in hunt for Chelsea defender

Bournemouth in hunt for Chelsea defender

Bournemouth are on the verge of bringing Chelsea defender Nathan Ake back to the Vitality Stadium but face competition in the way of Leicester City and Southampton, who are also in for the services of the 22-year-old, according to Sky Sports.

Ake was with The Cherries last season, before being recalled to Stamford Bridge by manager Antonio Conte in the January.

Following a decent spell with the club at the southern coast, Eddie Howe wanted the player to sign on permanently, but Conte brought Ake back to the west-London side in a bid to strengthen the Blues title challenge.

The Dutchman – who is expected to cost around £20m – has previously been on loan to clubs Watford and Reading.

Back in January, Bournemouth boss Howe said: "We had discussions with Chelsea. The bid that has been reported in the media was miles off the mark.
"We made an enquiry about the opportunity of bringing him back on loan or on a permanent deal, but that was declined."

Jacque Talbot (@Jac_Talbot)