Chelsea have recalled Dutch left-back Nathan Ake from his loan spell at Bournemouth, the Premier League leaders announced on Sunday.
Ake, 21, joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan in June and has been in impressive form, scoring three goals as Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to ninth in the table.
But with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte seeking competition for left-sided wing-back Marcos Alonso, Ake has been summoned back to Stamford Bridge.
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“Ake is a really good player,” Conte said before Ake’s return was confirmed.
“I’m evaluating his situation, because Ake could be an interesting opportunity in this window for us.”
Ake, who can also play in midfield, joined Chelsea from Feyenoord in 2011 and has previously spent time on loan at Reading and Watford.
In other Chelsea related loan news, midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge, according to media reports.
The Daily Mail have reported that Chelsea will hold talks with the midfielder to decide whether he should spend the second half of the season on loan.
Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Watford are all credited with an interest in Loftus-Cheek, who while highly-rated by Conte, is struggling for game time, starting two League Cup matches and featuring just once from the bench on the Premier League this season. Championship leaders Brighton are also reportedly interested as are Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, who currently have Danish defender Andreas Christensen – another promising Chelsea talent – on loan.
Loftus-Cheek, 20, could be in line to start Chelsea’s FA CUp third round tie against Peterbrough on Sunday.
* Agencies
Koeman asks for help
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has urged the club's board to recognise the extent of his rebuilding job by backing him in the transfer market after Saturday's FA Cup exit at home to Leicester City.
Everton let slip a one-goal lead at Goodison Park with Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa’s second-half brace enough to condemn the Merseyside club to a 2-1 third round defeat and the likelihood of another season without silverware.
“I know what we need to change and if everyone opens their eyes maybe we will get further on our improvement as a team,” Koeman told British media.
“Because that’s really what we need and that’s all about what happens this month.”
Everton have been linked with Manchester United duo Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin, and Koeman, who will be without injured winger Yannick Bolasie for up to a year, has made it clear to his employers where the team needs to strengthen.
“I have that in mind and the board knows because we spoke together about what we need. That’s the job of (director of football) Steve Walsh and it’s my job,” the Dutchman added when asked about signing new players in the January window.
“I hope everybody realises what the team needs to play and to get results that meet the expectations at this club. I can explain more but I don’t like to because that’s talks we need to do inside.”
Everton, who are seventh in the Premier League after 20 games, host fourth-placed Manchester City on Jan. 15.
* Reuters
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