West Ham are exploring a loan with option to buy move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, it’s been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

With the club firmly in the midst of a battle to remain in the Premier League this season, it’s understood that the club will look to strengthen defensively as well as other positions.

Reporting on The West Ham Way Patreon, our club insider Ex advised that the club are exploring avenues to bring the Dutchman to east London.

“West Ham have confirmed interest in Manchester City defender Nathan Ake,” stated Ex. “We know that the club are currently exploring a number of players on loan from the top Premier League clubs and Ake is someone who is on our radar.

“A loan move with an option to buy could work for both West Ham (so our league status is known at the end of the loan) and hopefully it is something that City will consider.

“The experienced Dutch defender has played all of his career in England for the likes of Chelsea, Reading, Watford, Bournemouth and Manchester City so is experienced in the league. He also has 57 caps for Holland and is a PL winner. He can play centre back (on the left side) and at left back.

“The club have made approaches for the defender in the past and this was reaffirmed to us by a top source, when asked whether we would make a move for the defender we were told: We have tried for Ake in the past and were told he is unavailable but we will try again”. 

“Whilst his age isn’t ideal at 30 (soon to be 31) for a centre back it’s not the end of the world and he clearly has leadership credentials. His wages could be a big obstacle and we will keep you updated if this progresses. It does seem unlikely that the player would chose a title charge and Champions League football but stranger things have happened.”