Report: Juventus ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Manuel Akanji

Juventus are said to have a good chance of signing Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months.

Borussia Dortmund have already bolstered their defence ahead of next season with the signings of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck. Their arrivals mean that the Black and Yellows will look to sell Manuel Akanji in the summer transfer window.

Akanji’s contract with Borussia Dortmund is set to expire at the end of next season. And he has already rejected the club’s offer of an extension. So far, Manchester United have been considered to be the favourites for his signature. But according to WAZ (subscription required), Juventus are also interested in the Swiss centre-back, and they are said to have a good chance of signing him.

Akanji has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s top performers in defence this season. But even he has not been able to prevent Marco Rose’s side from conceding 50 goals in just 32 Bundesliga matches this season.

Reports have claimed in recent months that Borussia Dortmund want a transfer fee of 30 million euros for the sale of Akanji.

WAZ add that Dan-Axel Zagadou’s contract is also unlikely to be extended. The Frenchman’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Akanji remains one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, so losing him will be a big blow for Borussia Dortmund. But Sebastian Kehl and co. have done a great job of cushioning that blow with the signings of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck.