Everton make ambitious transfer approach for Manchester City defender | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to be subject to ambitious late transfer interest from Everton for one of their long-standing defensive options, according to new reports.

The Premier League giants have faced a summer of uncertainty surrounding their backline, with speculation continuing to circulate about the future of several senior defenders.

Manuel Akanji has been intensely linked with Galatasaray in recent days, even prompting the Switzerland international to publicly hit back at one journalist over claims of a potential departure and a fee having been agreed between the two clubs.

Meanwhile, John Stones’ role at the club has also been questioned at various times of the summer market due to recent injury setbacks that have hindered his progress and ability to feature regularly for the club, despite his own public commitment to the Etihad project.

City’s defensive unit has also come under the microscope following their early summer activity, which included allowing promising young centre-back Vitor Reis to be loaned out into the City Football Group system at Girona.

That reshaping has left fans intrigued as to whether further changes could be on the horizon before the market closes. With uncertainty over Ederson’s future and a reshuffle having taken place in midfield, any sudden exit from the defensive department would create further intrigue Pep Guardiola’s plans.

Amid that backdrop, Everton have now emerged as the latest Premier League club to show bold interest in a Manchester City player, as they look to strengthen their squad late in the window.

That is according to the information of Hill Dickinson Stadium insider ‘ElBobble‘ on X, who reveals that Everton are currently working on a deal to sign Manchester City’s versatile defender Nathan Ake in the final days of the summer market.

The Dutchman has been a reliable presence for Pep Guardiola since joining from Bournemouth in 2020, offering the ability to cover both centre-back and left-back positions. His tactical intelligence, composure in possession, and experience in high-pressure fixtures have made him an invaluable member of the squad, particularly during City’s treble-winning season.

That pedigree makes Everton’s pursuit all the more ambitious, given the financial and competitive hurdles involved. Should the Merseyside club manage to put together an acceptable package, Manchester City would face a major decision.

From Everton’s perspective, the recruitment of a player of Nathan Ake’s calibre would mark one of their most impressive defensive signings in recent memory, instantly elevating their backline.

However, convincing both City and the Dutchman himself could prove the greatest challenge. With Ake still competing at the top end of the game and City reluctant to lose a dependable option, this story could yet fizzle out before deadline day.