Manchester United have been dealt a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, according to reports.
United's heavy defeat to Manchester City on Sunday was the latest in a long list of poor defensive displays this season. Raphael Varane missed the disappointing collapse as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof lined up as Ralf Rangnick's central defensive duo, with both defenders at fault for at least two of City's four goals.
Akanji has been linked with a move to the Premier League ever since his emergence at Signal Iduna Park. With the transfer window just months away, United have been touted as one of the clubs who could make a move for him this summer.
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According to the German news outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, the Switzerland international will be not signing an improved deal with Marco Rose's side this summer. This means he will move into the final 12 months of his contract with the Bundesliga outfit at the end of the season and so Dortmund run the risk of losing him on a free transfer in 2023.
It has been reported that the contract stand-off between Akanji and Dortmund has been caused by a disagreement over his wages. The 26-year-old has made 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season but is currently out of action with a calf injury.
Meanwhile, Axel Tuanzebe's chances of remaining in Serie A appear to have taken a blow. According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Napoli are planning a raid of Southampton, with Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu on their wish list.
Tuanzebe cut his second loan spell with Aston Villa short amid lack of game time. As a result, in January he moved to Napoli where he has been plagued by injuries and left out of their Europa League squad, although their European adventure was short-lived as they were knocked out by Barcelona.
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