Man City warn Chelsea they won’t sell £50m Nathan Ake on the cheap as Blues seek defender’s transfer

MANCHESTER CITY will tell Chelsea to forget about re-signing centre-back Nathan Ake on the cheap.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants the Dutchman, 27, back at Stamford Bridge.

But City have no plans to sell a player who joined them for £40million just two years ago.

Newcastle were quoted £50m earlier this summer.

And even if Chelsea bid that much, City would want a replacement first.

Blues are also interested in Etihad aces Raheem Sterling and Oleksandar Zinchenko.

And over the weekend Burnley's Ivory Coast winger Maxwel Cornet emerged as a surprise alternative to Leeds hero Raphinha,

But it's in defence where Tuchel most needs reinforcements.

Juventus' Holland star Matthijs de Ligt and Sevilla's France ace Jules Kounde are the centre-backs most strongly tipped for a Stamford Bridge move.

And it's claimed Chelsea have come close to agreeing a five-year deal for reported Arsenal target Kounde, who could cost £50m-plus.

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Tuchel's back pains largely stem from Antonio Rudiger joining Real Madrid after an outstanding season.

Fellow central defender Andreas Christensen could be heading for Barcelona after the Blues released him.

And Barca have also been strongly linked with Chelsea wing-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.