CHELSEA are "increasingly unlikely" to trigger their clause to re-sign Nathan Ake, according to a report in The Sun.

The Dutchman left Stamford Bridge to join Cherries for £20million in 2017.

The Blues are believed to have inserted a clause into the deal which would allow them to buy Ake back for £40million, but that option is said to be due to expire at the end of this month.

However, The Sun claim that while Ake was "on a list of potential targets" at centre-back, they are instead keen to keep Andreas Christensen in their squad instead, with boss Frank Lampard full of praise for the Dane following his performance in their 3-0 win over Burnley.

Chelsea also have Fikayo Tomori, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma as centre-back options.

However, a report in The Athletic believes the Blues could still consider a move for Ake.

The 24-year-old returned from a hamstring injury to play left-back for Cherries during their 3-0 loss to Watford on Sunday.

And The Athletic claim Chelsea are interested in the Netherlands international's versatility to fill in at full-back.

Their report says: "Ake’s ability to use his left foot is certainly an attractive proposition, but that means he is also a candidate to be fielded at left-back should Marcos Alonso or Emerson be sold."

Discussing speculation around his future after Sunday's loss to Watford, Ake said: "I've had it now for many seasons, speculation, you can't really do anything with it.

"Mentally 100 per cent I am here. I'm fighting with the team, I'm fighting for the team so that's where my head is at and I'll see what happens."