Eddie Howe speaks out on Manchester United and Tottenhams reported interest in Nathan Ake

Neither Manchester United or Tottenham have made any sort of offer for Nathan Ake, insists Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

Both United and Spurs have been credited with interest in the Netherlands international defender who has impressed since leave Chelsea for the Cherries in 2017.

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Bournemouth boss Howe says the reported interest in the centre-back is a good sign of the progress the 23-year-old has made at the Vitality Stadium but says neither of the reported suitors have yet to make their interest formal.

I think thats a compliment to Nathan and how hes played since he signed for us permanently,” Howe told Sky Sports.

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“Hes been a model of consistency. He picked up all the player awards that he did at the end of last season and hes carried that form into this [season].

With any type of speculation that you are linked with, the clubs hes been mentioned with, its a good sign. However, that doesnt mean were about to lose him. Hes a massive part of what were doing.

[There has been] nothing from our side, where it comes from I dont know. Its inevitable [to be linked] when the team is doing well people will naturally highlight our players, potential players who can go on and play at a higher level.

I look at it as a compliment to the team. It certainly wont disrupt Nathan, knowing how level-headed he is. For him hes such a good personality it wont affect him in any way.

According to The Telegraph, former club Chelsea hold the cards to Akes future and could potentially block their top-four rivals in their attempted moves.

The Blues negotiated a gentlemans agreement as part of the £20m transfer of Ake to Bournemouth which states they have first option to re-sign the Netherlands international for £40m.

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