Nathan Ake 'takes time' on transfer decision as Man Utd and Chelsea enter race

Christopher Vourlias Before the Russian army launched an invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, French war correspondent Loup Bureau was embedded in Donbass, the restive borderland in Eastern Ukraine, which since 2014 has been the site of an ongoing conflict between Russian-backed separatist groups and Ukrainian government forces.Reports were circulating of an impending Russian attack. Bureau, who had already spent time in the region while shooting his feature-length documentary “Trenches” – screening next week at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival – expected it to be a localized skirmish.

LADstudios Behind ‘Lens On Ukraine’

Ukraine.

SAM Thompson has revealed a cruel meat prank he plays on his best mate Pete Wicks - despite the Towie star being vegetarian. The 29-year-old was revealing all about his ‘bromance’ with Pete – and revealed some of the tricks he’s tried to get away with.

Lanarkshire police are keen to hear from anyone with information relating to off-road quad bike use following a spate of incidents in Airdrie.

Young people who are keen on a seagoing career are being encouraged to apply for the CalMac Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

Under pressure Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a mammoth boost with Kylian Mbappe set to start against Real Madrid.

An outraged woman has complained after money was automatically taken from her bank account without her knowing after being told that she would receive a £10,000 Covid-19 fine in 2021.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld's jersey from their 1967 European Cup final triumph is set to go for £20,000 at auction.

Turkish Masters in Antalya very much the worse for wear.The world No44, who has had a dreadful season on the table, became embroiled in an altercation with guests at the VIP bash for players and dignitaries.And after falling and splitting his chin open in the toilets there was then a heated exchange with WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson.Milkins was rushed to a nearby hospital where he also had his stomach pumped and was collected and brought back by pal and former European Masters champion Jimmy Robertson.The incident was highly embarrassing for the snooker authorities on a first visit to a new territory with huge potential.And to complete a catastrophic 48 hours personally, Milkins then crashed out of the tournament 5-4 to China’s Ding Junhui yesterday – losing the last four frames after leading 4-1.Gloucester’s Milkins is known on the circuit for using The Worzels’ ‘I am a cider drinker’ as his walk-on music.He said: “I drank far too much, and something happened. I genuinely don’t know exactly what and cannot remember details - I was in a state where I didn’t know where I was.“It was my birthday and I had been drinking for a long time but that is no excuse and I know that.

straight to your inboxNapoli sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has revealed the club are yet to receive any offers for star centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, amid interest from Manchester City.M.E.N.

straight to your inboxHere are the Manchester City morning headlines for Thursday, July 23.Rising star Phil Foden has set himself the target of bettering this season’s goal and assist contributions next term.The 20-year-old has been directly involved in 17 goals for City across all competitions throughout 2019/20 – his best haul yet.That is not enough for Foden, though, who insists he can perform better and continue to do so on a consistent basis.“Every year I try to get my stats higher in terms of goals and assists. I just wanted to improve from last season.

straight to your inboxManchester United are looking to hijack Manchester City 's reported move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake - according to reports. Ake, 25, is on City's shortlist as Pep Guardiola targets a new defender and various reports have suggested the Blues have agreed a £35million deal for the Dutchman.

straight to your inboxManchester City will finish a long way behind Liverpool in the Premier League table and if the winning culture that has been demonstrated at the Etihad Stadium over the course of the past decade is anything to go by, that is unlikely to recur next season.Pep Guardiola will be determined to restore City's dominance, with an area that is set to be addressed being the centre of his defence.Vincent Kompany departed the club last summer and no replacement has been purchased since, with Nathan Ake amongst the names that are linked ahead of a move when the current campaign is concluded.However, the Bournemouth defender appears to be a mixed bag when it comes to his suitability to Guardiola's game.Let's start with the

straight to your inboxManchester City are remaining tight-lipped over reports they are expected to sign the Dutch defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. The MEN revealed last week that Ake is one of five players on City's radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

straight to your inboxAke transfer 'expected'Nathan Ake is 'expected' to join City in a £35million transfer. The MEN revealed last week that Ake is one of five players on City's radar in the summer transfer window, with the Guardian now claiming a £35million deal is close.

Manchester City regardless of whether former club Chelsea decide they want him back. City have reportedly held talks with Bournemouth about signing the Dutch centre-back this summer after the Cherries are relegated.

Manchester City have held talks with Bournemouth regarding the future of Nathan Ake. Pep Guardiola and his players have been off the mark this season as Liverpool won the Premier League title for the first time -meaning they will be more determined than ever during the 2020/21 campaign.

straight to your inboxManchester City have lodged a bid to Napoli for centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.After a disappointing domestic campaign in which they have only managed to lift the Carabao Cup, City are looking to refresh their squad this summer with a new centre-back being the top priority.City have struggled at the back this season after failing to replace Vincent Kompany last summer and due to the injury issues suffered by Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.M.E.N.

straight to your inboxManchester City face Bournemouth in the Premier League in their final game before the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.City have secured second place in the table with three games remaining, giving Pep Guardiola the opportunity to rotate his squad without fear of dropping any positions.That could mean a much-changed side for a Bournemouth side who sit three points from safety. However, the Cherries will be without key defender Nathan Ake through injury, while striker Joshua King is a major doubt.As for City, Sergio Aguero remains out, and Gabriel Jesus may be rested having started the last five games.

Manchester United were dealt a blow to their Champions League ambitions when a last-minute equaliser saw them draw 2-2 with Southampton on Monday night.