Cherries brace themselves for an Ake attack from the Big Six
Kompany deal doubt
NATHAN AKE is in line for a move away from BOURNEMOUTH. The former Chelsea starlet (left) interests the Premier League’s Big Six – and has major suitors abroad.
The Cherries are resigned to having their top players picked off VINCENT KOMPANY’S continuing fitness problems are complicating his chances of a contract extension at MANCHESTER CITY.
The City skipper has not featured in the last six games after suffering muscle problems in the vital 2-1 win over LIVERPOOL at the start of the month.
And while Pep Guardiola has indicated that he wants the Belgium international to sign a new one-year deal when his current contract expires in the summer, the club fear the 32-year-old is too injury-prone.
Kompany, a bargain £6million signing from Hamburg in 2008, has made just 14 appearances for City this season.
But his surprise start against Liverpool was an indication of how much Guardiola values him, both as a defender and leader.
He was outstanding against the Premier League leaders – but limped off two minutes from time. – and that is why boss Eddie Howe has paid BRENTFORD £12million for Wales defender Chris Mepham.
And Howe has also spent £19m on recruiting Dominic Solanke from LIVERPOOL as insurance against losing Bournemouth’s highly prized striker Callum Wilson.