Manchester United pushing to sign €30m-rated Borussia Dortmund defender

Dortmund's Swiss defender Manuel Akanji plays the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match 1 FC Union Berlin v BVB Borussia Dortmund in Berlin, on February 13, 2022. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to a German reporter, Manchester United are pushing to sign Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Patrick Berger previously claimed that the defender has already rejected an offer from his current club, with his deal set to expire in 2023.

However, Berger now claims the Switzerland international has an offer on the table from United, worth €15m-per-year for four years. He tweeted, citing Bild: “Manchester United are pushing to sign Manuel Akanji, as already reported. The Swiss defender (who has rejected a #BVB offer) is @ManUtd fan and dreams of the Prem League. According to Bild Red Devils have made a concrete offer now: 4-y-contract, €15m salary. Price tag: €30m.”

The price tag is also set at €30m for the centre back.

SN’s verdict

Manchester United need to sign a defender this summer.

We don’t know what the future holds for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe but I don’t have any confidence in the trio becoming first team regulars – so it may be best to move them all if possible.

Akanji is one of the names doing the rounds but Berger is an extremely reliable journalist. We will definitely be paying close attention to these links in the coming months.