Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Manuel Akanji as the defender continues to reject Borussia Dortmund 's contract offers.
Despite recruiting Raphael Varane from Real Madrid last summer, United have been linked with adding a defender to their ranks as Harry Maguire 's position continues to come under threat. The current Red Devils captain has endured a disappointing season in which he has found himself constantly in the headlines.
Weeks after allegedly being embroiled in a tug-of-war with Cristiano Ronaldo over the club's captaincy, reports emerged claiming some of the United squad were privately questioning Maguire's continued selection despite his below-par performances. However, in Akanji, United may well have found a solution.
The Swiss defender joined Dortmund from Basel in January of 2018 and, over the past 18 months in particular, has established himself as a mainstay in the heart of Dortmund's backline. The Bundesliga outfit have relentlessly attempted to tie Akanji down to a new deal at the Westfalenstadion, however it appears the player is intent on pursuing a different challenge in the near future.
According to RN and BILD, Dortmund are resigned to losing the 26-year-old centre-back in the summer before he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Reports in Germany state there is 'little to no chance' Akanji will sign a new deal as he continues to resist Dortmund's advances.
With Akanji's exit now inevitable, the Black and Yellows are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £25million for the defender come the end of the season. As question marks continue to surround Maguire's future at Old Trafford, Akanji could prove to be his perfect replacement.
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German outlet SPORT1 claimed that United's current interim manager Ralf Rangnick is 'very interested' in Akanji and, judging by the player's previous comments, the feelings are mutual. After signing with Dortmund back in 2018, Akanji told NZZ: "I have a big dream, to get as far as possible in football.
"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."
Should Akanji make the move to Old Trafford, he would be reunited with former Dortmund team-mate and closer friend, Jadon Sancho. The winger himself made the same step last summer, for a fee in the region of £73m.
Dortmund have reportedly tried all they can to persuade Akanji to remain at the club, however they now accept change is on its way. While Marco Rose's side appear set to lose the Swiss star, they have already bolstered their backline ahead of next season.
Niklas Sule will head to Dortmund on the expiry of his Bayern Munich contract this summer having already reached a pre-contract agreement. On top of that, further additions have been touted.
Among the names mentioned as potential Akanji replacements, Freiburg's Nico Schlotterbeck is the favourite to replace him. As for Maguire, it remains to be seen what approach United will take in the summer as his woes continue.
