The battle to sign former Chelsea defence ace Nathan Ake is hotting up between Manchester City and Leicester City.

The Foxes have sold their key defender Harry Maguire to Manchester United and are desperately looking for a replacement, while the Premier League champions have not been able to find suitable replacement for their former captain Vincent Kompany.

Pep Guardiola had hoped that Maguire would join him at the Etihad. But the England international opted for the Red Devils when it was becoming obvious that City could not afford his humongous transfer fee of £85m.

And, now, according to Sky Sports, Leicester are considering Bournemouth defender Ake to replace Maguire as he verges on completing his move to Manchester United.

The Express are reporting that Guardiola is equally weighing up move for Ake this summer to shore up his defence.

The Foxes have reportedly had informal conversations about Nathan and James Tarkowski, with Burnley prepared to do business on their defender.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are reluctant to let Ake leave because he is central to Eddie Howe’s plans this season.