Sources: Man City pull plug on centre-back deal after ‘huge’ update
Man City have pulled the plug on plans to let Nathan Ake leave the club in January as a result of their growing list of injuries in defensive positions.
Ake had been expected to leave Man City in search of increased playing time after Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman advised he do so to get into the World Cup squad.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 30-year-old is set to see an increase in his playing time after both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias suffered long-term injuries, while City lack depth at the back.
John Stones has also been ruled out indefinitely, leaving inexperienced duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne as the starting duo at centre-back.
Ake returned to the starting XI as Pep Guardiola’s side drew 1-1 with Brighton last time out, and is hopeful of cementing his place in the side over the coming weeks.
Man City pull plug on Nathan Ake exit
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 2 January that Man City were prepared to sell Ake given his reduced role in the side.
The likes of Everton, West Ham and AC Milan were heavily linked with moves for the defender, but City have now made a U-turn on their plans.
Ake will not be allowed to leave the Etihad this month as Guardiola hopes to retain key players at the back given the impact of losing his regular starters.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, they’ve got to [pull the plug]. They can’t afford to let Nathan Ake go now.
“If all their defenders were fit, then maybe there could have been a possibility for Ake to go out. Ake himself is keen to play just to boost his chances of playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup this coming summer.
“But look, I think he’s going to get a lot of minutes now for Manchester City.
“And as I said, he will be needed now that he had with the huge injury to Gvardiol, who could miss the rest of season.
“You’ve got Diaz who’s probably out till mid-February as well so he’s going to get plenty of minutes.
“With Manchester City battling for honours on all fronts I don’t think they can afford to let Nathan Ake leave in the January transfer window.”
Man City step up efforts to sign Marc Guehi
As a result of City’s ongoing defensive injury crisis, they are preparing to enter the transfer market, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi at the top of their list.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 8 January that Man City are considering a £20million offer for Guehi as they aim to capitalise on his contract situation.
However, despite there being just six months remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park, Palace are seeking a higher fee than the £35million they turned down on deadline day.
Brown warned Football Insider last month that Palace have a massive decision to make over Guehi’s future as they brace for offers to arrive in January.
The likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich remain strong contenders for the England international, but it remains unlikely he will leave in January as things stand.
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