Nathan Ake has proved his worth to Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe this season.

The Cherries signed Ake from Chelsea in the summer for £20m following a successful loan spell at Vitality Stadium last season.

Ake has played every Premier League game since and picked up five Player of the Month awards.

"Hopefully, a very good one. Nathan is an excellent player and very versatile," said Howe when asked if Ake would be a great buy.

"He has played centre-half for the majority of the season but can play in other positions. He is young and has a great attitude so there is a lot to like about Nathan."

Asked if the fee could prove to be a bargain, Howe added: "It's a difficult one because for us, that fee is new ground – we have never paid that money before.

"It was done with careful consideration knowing the person we were recruiting as much as the player."