Bournemouth have accepted a reported £41 million (Dh195m) bid from Manchester City for defender Nathan Ake, according to British media.
The Dutchman's likely arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes after City endured a poor season defensively following the departure of Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht last year.
With Aymeric Laporte missing most of the campaign due to a long-term injury, and John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi largely disappointing, City manager Pep Guardiola often deployed Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho at centre-back.
City never looked settled in defence, losing nine matches as they surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool by an 18-point margin.
Despite Bournemouth's relegation, Ake has earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining the Cherries from Chelsea in 2017.
Capped 13 times by the Netherlands, Ake missed Bournemouth's final three Premier League fixtures after suffering a groin injury in 4-1 win over Leicester on July 12.
Asked if Ake, 25, may have made his final appearance for Bournemouth after the Leicester game, Howe replied: "I think it would be silly of me to comment on that, to be honest, at this moment in time.
"I think next season and everything beyond it will take care of itself."
City are also reported to be involved in advanced negotiations with Valencia for the signing of 20-year-old winger Ferran Torres.
It is understand the Premier League side have agreed an initial fee of £20.9 million with Valencia and talks over potential add-ons are continuing.
City are in the market for a new winger following the departure of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich.
