Reports in Germany suggest Ralf Rangnick has tipped Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Ananki as a potential transfer target for Manchester United.
Rangnick, who became interim manager in December, is set to move into a consultancy role at the end of the season. It is thought that United will make use of his ability to identify top young players in a transfer market he knows very well.
According to Patrick Berger, Akanji has rejected a new contract offer from Dortmund worth €9.5 million per year. The player’s price tag is reported at €30 million which is considerably less than what Harry Maguire cost the club back in 2019.
Berger tweeted: “Manuel Akanji has rejected a latest offer of €9.5m salary p.a. to extend his #BVB contract (running until 2023), as we already reported. Been told Manchester United are very keen to sign him in summer. Price tag: €30m. Reunion at #MUFC with his buddy Jadon Sancho?”
This season the centre-back has started 16 Bundesliga matches for Marco Rose’s side.
However, the Switzerland international may be open to a transfer to United after turning down a contract at Dortmund, after previously describing the Reds as his “favourite club” — a strong suggestion that he is a fan.
“I have a big dream, to get as far as possible in football,” Akanji told NZZ, via the Mirror, after signing for Dortmund in 2018.
“Since my childhood days Manchester United have been my favourite club. I’d like to play there one day.
“But right now, that’s not an issue. I am happy at Dortmund and try to be the best possible person off the pitch.”
Will United make dreams come true this summer?