Pundit Noel Whelan is a big fan of a potential Newcastle United move to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

The Lowdown: Ake targeted

It has been reported that Ake is one of a number of players Eddie Howe is targeting from his time with AFC Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

A recruitment source has also told Football Insider that Manchester City would accept a £10m loss on the central defender in the winter in order to try and push through a deal - they spent £40m on him in August 2020 (BBC).

Nonetheless, if a transfer fee can be agreed between the two clubs, it looks as if the St. James' Park faithful could get their man given his lack of playing time with the Champions.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, 46-year-old former Leeds United and Coventry City striker Whelan has backed Ake's potential move to the North East:

“I think that signing ticks all the boxes for Newcastle.

“Eddie Howe had him at Bournemouth, and was excellent for him there, that makes it a no-brainer. He progressed so well under him.

“He’s in his prime at 26, that is when you get the best football out of yourself.

“They need to bolster that defence, it’s been so leaky for almost three seasons now.

“They need to get him through the door at Newcastle as soon as possible if he is made available by Man City in January.

“He would be an amazing signing and the start of those jigsaw pieces coming together.”

The Verdict: Sign

Of course, Ake is a player that Howe knows very well, as the Netherlands international played in 121 games in total over all competitions under him, scoring 11 goals and making a further six assists (Transfermarkt).

Thus, Howe knows how to get the best out of him, and given that he has been playing for the reigning Premier League champions under Pep Guardiola, he would certainly elevate the quality and mindset in the squad.

That would be especially evident in his ability to play out from the back, as he has averaged more passes and a higher pass success than Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles in the top flight so far this season (WhoScored).

He has fought relegation battles before with Howe at the Cherries too, and so would be a smart addition with his experience alongside the gaffer when the going gets tough.

In other news, find out which NUFC target may cost more than £40m here!