West Ham could seal ‘great’ loan-to-buy Ake signing from Man City – pundit
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake would be a “great signing” for West Ham in January, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 26-year-old could get the game time he needs by moving to east London.
As reported by 90 Min last Thursday (2 December), West Ham are interested in signing Ake next month on either a loan or permanent deal.
The report claims the Irons are likely to pursue a temporary deal with an obligation to buy in the summer.
The Hammers are in the market for a new centre-back after Angelo Ogbonna’s season-ending injury.
Whelan suggested Ake would be the ideal replacement for David Moyes’ men.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He’d be a great signing for West Ham. I think he would be for any team.
“He’s got experience, he’s a leader. He did a great job at Bournemouth.
“Ake is somebody that has definitely got the quality. There’s no doubt about that.
“You talk about young centre-halves with promise and somebody that can really strengthen a side, you don’t look any further than Nathan Ake. That’s why Man City took him.
“But they’ve got a lot of competition for places there. He’s a player that needs to be playing week in, week out.”
Ake has struggled to nail down a regular starting role under Pep Guardiola.
He has made nine appearances, seven in the starting XI, in City’s 23 games this term.
West Ham currently have Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Kurt Zouma as their fit, senior centre-back options.
In other news, West Ham tipped to spend “serious money” in defender pursuit.