Milan Skriniar scores first goal for Inter Milan in 2017
Manchester United would be better off signing Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake than Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar, according to former Tottenham defender Gary Stevens. Both Ake and Skriniar have been linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Holland international Ake would likely cost less than Skriniar, especially if Bournemouth were to get relegated from the Premier League.
Slovakia international Skriniar, 25, is widely regarded as one of the top central defenders in Europe.
But Stevens believes Ake, also 25, would be a better option for United as he has already made over 100 appearances in the Premier League.
"I think there's a fair chance that Ake will be a choice of Manchester United, possibly the choice," Stevens told Stadium Astro.
"With Bournemouth pretty much looking like they're going to go down then there's the reason why Ake needs to leave Bournemouth because he doesn't want to play in the Championship, he's better than that.
Man Utd news: Gary Stevens says Nathan Ake would be a better option than Milan Skriniar (Image: GETTY/STADIUM ASTRO)
"You mentioned the Inter Milan central defender, Skriniar, yeah I like him as a player.
"You talk about foreigners coming into the Premier League, some settle very quickly, others don't, so therefore I would tend to favour Ake over him in all honesty.
"But again, the person who's perfectly positioned is [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer and I think one of his key decision factors is the character of the person, the type of person.
"He doesn't want anything that is in the least bit disruptive within his squad."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is a top target for United and Danny Higginbotham can see a deal being completed quickly once the transfer window opens.
"Very likely, in my honest opinion, I think it's very, very likely," Higginbotham said.
"It's a position that they need to strengthen. I think Dan James has done well, a little bit raw but I think he has done well, [Mason] Greenwood's come onto the scene and been absolutely magnificent.
"But I think with Sancho he can play on the right, he can play on the left as well so he gives you that ability to be able to play in a few different positions within that front four.
Trending
Man Utd news: Nathan Ake has been linked with a move to Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)
"Let me put it this way, the easy way to put it, I'd be more surprised if Sancho didn't sign than if he did sign."
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here