Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a bid for AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake if the Cherries are relegated this season, per Football Insider.

What’s the word?

Spurs are reportedly keen to sign at least one centre-back in the summer and are particularly targeting a left-sided central defender who can also play at left-back.

Ake, thus, has been identified as a potential acquisition but Spurs are said to believe that he will be easier to bring in if Eddie Howe’s side are relegated from the Premier League.

Spurs are said to be ready to watch the former Chelsea defender closely over the coming months, with Bournemouth currently 16^th in the table. They are just two points clear of 18^th-placed West Ham United.

Ake is said to be valued at £40m, though that number may drop if Bournemouth do drop into the Championship.

Buy him anyway

Ake would be a fine addition for Spurs.

There remains a lingering uncertainty over the future of Jan Vertonghen, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

If he were to leave, a move for Ake would surely have to become a priority as Jose Mourinho looks to beef up his backline.

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The 24-year-old has made 137 appearances in the Premier League in his career and knows the league inside out and backwards.

Add into that the fact that he qualifies as a homegrown player and a move suddenly becomes a no-brainer for the north London club.

Whether Bournemouth go down or not, Spurs should be bidding for him in the summer.

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