Everton opportunity opens up as Manchester City consider summer sale

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Manchester City are now seriously considering selling a player who Everton were very keen to sign in the summer window.

David Moyes saw his side ship three goals on Sunday in what was a bizarre result against Tottenham Hotspur.

Clear issues were identified by the Londoners, with Everton struggling to defend from set pieces for the opening two goals.

However, Everton have boasted a strong defensive record for a number of years despite their struggles in the Premier League.

Jarrad Branthwaite has successfully undergone surgery, but there is no timeline being put on his return to action.

James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have played well, but the injury to Branthwaite has left the options at the back looking a little light.

Having looked to improve their squad depth over the summer, there is now one player who could be placed on the market after Everton showed interest earlier in the year.

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Everton handed Nathan Ake opportunity by Manchester City

Back in August, it was claimed that Everton were keen to sign Nathan Ake in what would have been another big-name addition for the Blues.

A move did not materialise, with the Dutch defender remaining at the Etihad Stadium.

According to Team Talk, Man City are now willing to seriously consider potentially selling Ake in next summer’s market.

Any interest from the Toffees will be met with competition from Crystal Palace who are keen to land the 30-year-old.

With City considering their own summer transfer needs, sources around the club have insisted there is a chance that Ake could make way for a new arrival.

Everton are also looking to add at full-back, given their lack of options has seen James Garner thrown in at both right and left-back this season.

Ake is a player who could offer Moyes great versatility having played a lot at left-back under Pep Guardiola.

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David Moyes could land versatile defender in Nathan Ake

Having a defender who could cover at both left-back and centre-back could be a huge addition for Moyes.

A lot of Everton fans would like to see Vitaliy Mykolenko replaced following summer interest from some foreign clubs.

Ake is certainly a player that could prove an upgrade on Mykolenko and offer Moyes another centre-back when needed.

The only problem lies in Ake would not provide much of an attacking threat, which is something that is already an issue for the Blues.

However, this is a player with heaps of experience and could offer Everton with a solid addition amid the injury uncertainties around Branthwaite.