Chelsea have first refusal on Dutch defender

Chelsea are said to have the first refusal on Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, who is presently attracting interest from both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 23-year-old spent the first half of the 2016/17 season with the Cherries and he thereafter sealed a permanent move to the club from Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2017.

According to The Telegraph, both United and Spurs are understood to be planning a winter approach for the Netherlands international following his strong start to the current campaign in the South Coast.

However, the Blues are still said to have the option of signing the Dutchman first after reaching a gentleman's agreement with the Cherries to re-acquire his services in the future, should they wish.

Eddie Howe's side paid a then club-record fee of £20m for the versatile defender and the Blues will have to pay twice the sum, if they are to prise away the Dutchman ahead of their Premier League rivals this winter.