Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund centre-back Manuel Akanji after talks over a new contract for the Swiss international hit a wall.
The 26-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Signal Iduna Park and talks over an extension have been going on for a while, but a resolution is yet to be reached.
With Dortmund yet to commit to Akanji, sources have confirmed to 90min that the Swiss defender has been offered to United, who have been keeping an eye on Akanji for a while now.
90min revealed in early 2021 that Akanji was on United’s radar as the Red Devils planned their summer pursuit of a centre-back. They eventually settled on Raphael Varane but also had a number of other names above Akanji on their wish list, having not been totally convinced by the 26-year-old.
As it stands, United are not desperately searching for a new centre-back. Varane, club captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are the club’s top three, with Eric Bailly operating as a capable backup, and United are not actively exploring a new signing in that position.
However, that could change depending on the future of Bailly. The Ivorian is under contract until 2024, with an option to extend for another 12 months, but continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Should Bailly leave, United will look at bringing in another centre-back, but Old Trafford chiefs have bigger priorities in the transfer market at the minute.
A new midfielder and forward are high on the agenda, while at the back, United would prefer to focus their efforts on strengthening at full-back.
United are also looking to extend the contract of goalkeeper David de Gea, who has rediscovered his excellent form this season and leads the Premier League in saves. He has 18 months remaining on his deal, which also includes an extension clause, but United are ready to thrash out fresh terms.
Source: 90min.com
