Newcastle United monitoring the situation of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake | OneFootball

Newcastle United are one of the clubs monitoring the situation of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake ahead of the winter transfer window, according to talkSPORT.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe wants to bolster his options at the back at the St James’ Park club for the second half of 2025-26.

Ake has emerged as a target for the Magpies and the Dutchman is open to leaving Man City having started just one Premier League game this season.

The 30-year-old has played 159 games for Man City, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions League with them.

Newcastle could do with his huge experience and quality, and his versatility will also come in handy as he plays as a centre-back or left-back.

They are not the only club keen on Ake, with West Ham United also interested in recruiting his services.

However, he has rejected them as he is reluctant to join a club battling against relegation.

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also monitoring him, but he must convince Man City boss Pep Guardiola to allow him to leave in the midst of a Premier League title challenge.

Joining Newcastle could be more appealing to Ake as they are playing in the Champions League.

However, he will only be a short-term solution as he turns 31 in February and the Magpies could do with a long-term addition instead.

They may need to wait until summer to get younger defenders, but a move for Ake could make sense if Howe is desperate to strengthen his defensive ranks for the second half of the campaign.

Newcastle have conceded 24 goals in 19 league games so far this term, keeping just five clean sheets – the last one came in October.

They need significant improvements at the back if they are serious about turning their fortune around going forward.