Solskjaer’s interest peaked as Bournemouth set price for star defender

Nathan Ake, Luke Shaw TEAMtalk

Bournemouth plan to sell defender Nathan Ake this summer amid claims Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer informed him of the club’s interest, according to a report.

Pictures showed Solskjaer and Ake speaking after United’s 5-2 win over the Cherries on Saturday.

The Norwegian manager allegedly informed the left-footed centre-back of his intention to sign a player of his ilk. Indeed, the Daily Telegraph backed up such claims.

Now, the Daily Mail claims Bournemouth’s drive to cut costs includes Ake’s sale, as well as Joshua King’s departure.

Bournemouth will reportedly listen to offers of around £40million for Ake, who is also allegedly of interest to Chelsea.

As for King, the newspaper says he does not want to sign a new deal, with his current contract expiring next summer.

Indeed, United held a serious interest in King amid their search for a striker in January.

Bournemouth’s need to ease off on spending comes amid the pandemic, which – due to their stadium only holding 11,000 people and their comparatively large wage bill – has proved a test.

 

Manager Eddie Howe and other senior staff members took voluntary pay cuts during the height of the crisis.

The Cherries have cemented their plans regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League.

Howe’s men sit 19th in the table having not won in the top flight since the start of February.

And while they remain a point adrift of safety, their run-in includes matches against Leicester and Manchester City.

‘SOLSKJAER HAS FOOD FOR THOUGHT WITH GREENWOOD’

Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man Utd TEAMtalk

Elsewhere, Glenn Hoddle believes Mason Greenwood “will push Marcus Rashford out” of the Man Utd side due to his superior finishing.

Greenwood has been in sensational form over the last couple of matches. He provided an assist and a goal in the win over Brighton before scoring a brace against Bournemouth.

Rashford has started 26 Premier League matches for United this season, compared to Greenwood’s seven. But former England boss Hoddle reckons that could soon reverse.

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