Chelsea to activate Nathan Ake buy-back clause?

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up whether to activate the £40m buy-back clause inserted in Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake's contract.

The Blues sold the Dutch centre-back to their Premier League rivals for half that sum in the 2016 summer transfer window.

Ake has impressed during his two-and-a-half seasons on the south coast which, according to The Sun, has piqued his former club's interest.

Chelsea are said to be on the lookout for a new ball-playing defender, as captain Gary Cahill is on his way out and David Luiz may join him in leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Ten-cap Netherlands international Ake, who emerged through the West London outfit's academy, is also believed to be a target for Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United.