Update on West Ham United move for Nathan Ake from Claret and Hugh

Reliable West Ham website Claret and Hugh can’t see Nathan Ake making the move to the London Stadium despite interest from the Hammers.

The Irons have reportedly [90min, 23 May] been long time admirers of the 27-year-old Manchester City centre half.

However, Claret and Hugh suggested on Sunday [5 June] that a move is unlikely.

West Ham

The website wrote: “West Ham will have to pay £50m to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City, likely scotching any prospect of him moving to the London Stadium.

“Ake’s contract runs until 2025 and City, of course, are under no financial pressure to sell.

“We can’t see this one happening.”

Stay clear

Ake is an accomplished centre half and has developed immensely over the past few years but £50million for a 27-year-old defender who has made 10 starts for Pep Guardiola’s side this season is excessive.

With his contract running until 2025 combined with City’s powerful financial situation, the Premier League champions will be unlikely to sell the defender for a cut price at present.

David Moyes would be far better off utilising his budget in other areas of the pitch.

West Ham desperately needed more depth up front in the 2021-22 campaign and should be looking to invest heavily in a striker.

Quality goalscorers cost money and Moyes must accept that a budget option up front won’t suffice for the Hammers.

With news [EXWHUemployee, 27 May] of the Hammers closing in on a deal for Nayef Aguerd, Moyes would be smart to avoid making another big money move for a defender.

Hopefully, the signing of the Moroccan international kickstarts what promises to be a busy summer at the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, a pundit has questioned if one West Ham ace is good enough to make a move after major transfer news

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