Spurs haven’t made an approach for Ake

There have been reports recently that Tottenham Hotspur are following the form and progress of Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake. Both Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have been linked with moves away, and in preparation for such a scenario, acquiring a versatile defender like Ake would certainly make sense for Pochettino.

However, speaking to Sky Sports, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has revealed there has been no contact from the North-London club on the matter. He said the links are a testimony and a compliment to the way Ake has been playing since joining the Cherries permanently from Chelsea, and believes his form has been highlighted by the individual accolades the centre-back picked up at the end of 2017/18.

Howe also believes the links won’t do much in disrupting the player’s focus on the pitch, putting huge faith in his level-headed nature. He pointed out that the links are a normal thing when a player is doing well but Ake remains an important part of his plans.