Chelsea are ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake by triggering the buy-back clause in his contract, according to the Express.

The Blues allowed Ake to join The Cherries on a permanent deal for £20m, but they insisted on a buy-back clause, which was set at £40m.

With doubts over the futures of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and potentially Andreas Christensen, Chelsea are in the market for a defender and Ake is one of the players they are interested in.

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Man United are also looking for a new centre-back and Ake is said to be on their list of targets too, but Chelsea’s buy-back option will put them firmly in the driver’s seat if there is a battle for the Dutchman’s signature.

Ake joined Chelsea from Feyenoord back in 2011, when he was just 16-years-old and he made 17 first team appearances for The Blues.

If reports are to be believed, he could be about to make plenty more appearances at Stamford Bridge in the future.

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