Southampton have been holding an interest in Nathan Ake for some time now, according to reports, and the Telegraph have now reaffirmed that they are keen to land the Chelsea defender.
The 22-year-old spent the majority of last season on loan at fellow south-coast side Bournemouth. Ake made quite the impression at the Vitality Stadium before being recalled by Chelsea at the midway point.
The Telegraph state that Ake’s parent club are keen for him to be a part of the first-team next season, as they aim to retain the Premier League title. Ake has personally expressed his ambition to be playing consistently next season, and it looks like he’d be more of a squad player at Stamford Bridge next term.
With another young centre-back in Andreas Christensen returning to the Blues this summer after a loan at Borussia Monchengladbach – Ake could be looking to move on for consistent game time.
Saints are reportedly interested regardless of whether or not Virgil van Dijk departs this summer. They won’t be alone though, as the Telegraph claim that Stoke City also hold an interest in the young Dutchman.
