Man Utd handed boost in landing £25m defender

Manchester United have been handed a boost in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, according to Bild.

The Switzerland has been a key player for the German giants this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions.

However, they appear resigned to losing him this summer. The centre-back has snubbed a new contract beyond June 2023.

United are long-term admirers of Akanji, and it is reported that they could land him for around £25m in the next transfer window.

Akanji has also been linked with Chelsea in the past, but the west London club can't do any transfer business at the moment.

They are banned from any payment-related activities due to the sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich. A takeover will sort it.

Even then, they may prioritise a move for Sevilla's Jules Kounde, having failed with multiple attempts to land him last summer.

Kounde had agreed personal terms, but there were differences over the transfer fee. The Blues may return for the Frenchman.