Manchester United could land powerhouse Bundesliga defender in ‘£25m transfer raid’

Last night saw the Red Devils once again falter, as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw in a frustrating encounter away to relegation zone scrappers Burnley.

Reinforcements will be sought in the summer, one would imagine, as Ralf Rangnick's eventual successor looks to reinvigorate the side and challenge for honours next season.

The latest name to be linked with a move to Old Trafford is Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.

Here's all you need to know about the latest United transfer news.

What's the story?

According to German outlet Sport1, via Sport Witness, Akanji is right up there among United's top targets for the summer transfer window.

It is suggested that the arrival of Germany international Niklas Sule from Bayern Munich at the end of the season will see Akanji become surplus to requirements at the Westfalenstadion.

As things stand, the 26-year-old has less than a year-and-a-half left on his contract, and he could well be moved on to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

Previous reports have indicated that BVB could be willing to let the ex-Basel ace go for a fee of around £25m, which should be well within United's price bracket for a new quality centre-back signing.

Another factor in United's favour is, according to the report, the player's friendship with Jadon Sancho, who previously starred alongside him during his time at Dortmund.

This isn't the first time the Swiss ace has been linked with the Red Devils, either. Last spring, German outlet Ruhr Nachrichte claimed that the player was keen on a future move to Old Trafford, and United continued to be linked with him last summer.

What type of player is Akanji?

If you're looking for the 'complete defender', Akanji really isn’t far off.

Tall and powerful enough to dominate opposition attackers in the penalty area, blessed with an ability to play with either foot, as well as formidable pace, United would get plenty of bang for their buck with the 38-cap Switzerland international.

On top of that, he's renowned for his composure and confidence in bringing the ball out from the back, and can arch stunning long balls across the field with unerring accuracy to spark attacking moves.

Are any other Premier League sides keen on Akanji?

As things stand, United are the only Premier League side said to have an interest.

In the past, Arsenal were said to have be keen on the player, but they've spent heavily on defensive acquisitions since then.

One possible threat could, in theory, come from Chelsea. The Blues could lose both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger this summer as their contract continue to edge closer to expiry, and the club will surely be on the look-out for a reasonably priced replacement.

Meanwhile, Spurs are likely to continue their rebuild under Antonio Conte this summer. Should they beat the Red Devils to a top four finish, and move to north London could prove an alluring prospect.