Chelsea are ready to trigger the buy-back option in the contract of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

The Daily Express says Chelsea are preparing to trigger their £40m buy-back clause to sign Ake in January, and it's understood the Bournemouth defender is prepared to make the move.

Ake has been impressive on the south coast since making the move from Chelsea initially on loan and then on a permanent £20m deal.

But Chelsea have until the summer to make their move to bring him back to the club due to a clause inserted as part of the sale.

And it's now understood that Chelsea will trigger their £40m clause to re-sign him when the transfer window opens.