Bournemouth remain keen on Chelsea defender

Bournemouth will seek to retain their interest in Chelsea defender Nathan Ake when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The 22-year-old had joined the Cherries on a season-long loan last summer and had impressed until the Blues decided to activate the recall clause in January.

Eddie Howe's side had therein made a last ditch attempt to sign him for a record £18m fee, but the Blues knocked back their advances as they felt he could play a key role in the second half of the campaign.

Ake has since been sparsely used in the starting lineup with only starts coming in the FA as the left wing-back.

According to The Mail, the Cherries have one eye on recruiting Ake in the summer transfer window after he coped well in both midfield and defence during his time at Dean Court.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is due to keep hold of Andreas Christensen following his extended loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, and this could see Ake being offload during the off-season.

Bournemouth are also hopeful of reviving their pursuit of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic after a winter move was scuppered due to Chelsea's inability to find a suitable replacement.