Chelsea in advanced talks to re-sign Nathan Ake as Thomas Tuchel steps up transfer for Man City star

CHELSEA are reportedly in advanced discussions with Manchester City over a deal for Nathan Ake.

The defender could become the second player to swap City for Stamford Bridge with Raheem Sterling on the verge of being announced as a Blues player.

Talks between Chelsea and City regarding Ake, 27, have stepped up in recent days, according to .

It's claimed a fee is yet to be agreed but serious discussions between the clubs have been held with Thomas Tuchel keen on the centre-back.

The Blues are reported to have spoken to Ake and his representatives about personal terms and the defender is open to returning to Stamford Bridge.

City though won't sell on the cheap after Newcastle were quoted £50m earlier this summer.

Dutch international Ake is keen to play regular football ahead of the World Cup later this year.

And after starting just 10 games in the Premier League for City last season a move to Chelsea, who are crying out for defenders, would boost his chances of claiming a place in the Dutch team.

Ironically a lack of first team football is the reason Ake originally left the Blues permanently in 2017.

Ake previously spent seven years at Chelsea, joining the Academy aged 15 before leaving for good to join Bournemouth after numerous loan spells.

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The Blues are desperate for defensive reinforcements after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen earlier this summer.

Veterans Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both being linked with moves to Barcelona too.

Chelsea want to sign Matthijs de Ligt to cope with the losses of two senior players, but it's claimed Ake's Dutch teammate would prefer to join Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile Sterling is close to being announced as a Blue after agreeing personal terms over a £45million move from City.

Tuchel is keen for Sterling to join in time for the club's pre-season tour to the USA which starts on Saturday.