Overview

• Everton have begun preliminary discussions to sign Aké, according to TEAMtalk reports published Friday.
• Manchester City are reported to be open to his exit, with a fee touted up to £35 million or a loan with an obligation to buy.
• A standard loan is complicated because Premier League rules bar Everton from taking a second loanee from City after Jack Grealish.
• Everton are pursuing defensive cover after injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko forced makeshift solutions.
• Newcastle United are also credited with interest in Aké as the window’s deadline approaches.