Man Utd target moves step closer to "dream" move that could solve Jadon Sancho problem

Manchester United have reportedly been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.

The Switzerland international is believed to have turned down the Bundesliga giant’s latest contract offer worth around £8million per season.

Marco Rose’s side are running out of time to either pen him to a new contract or extract a transfer fee, as the 26-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his current deal.

Ralf Rangnick was once again left to rue his side's individual defensive mistakes as United were held to a 1-1 draw away to Burnley.

And reports are claiming that the Red Devils have identified Akanji as a potential solution to their frailties at the back.

SPORT1 understands United are “very keen” to bring the 38-capped Swiss ace to Old Trafford.

Akanji has played a pivotal role at Signal Iduna Park this season, starting 16 Bundesliga matches for the Rose’s side.

However, the Swiss defender could very well be open to a move to Old Trafford, as he has previously described the Reds as his “favourite club”.

“I have a big dream, to get as far as possible in football,” Akanji told NZZ, via Team Talk, when he initially signed for Dortmund in 2018.

“Since my childhood days Manchester United have been my favourite club. I’d like to play there one day.

“But right now, that’s not an issue. I am happy at Dortmund and try to be the best possible person off the pitch.”

Akanji could very well be about to be pushed down the pecking order at the Bundesliga giants.

Dortmund have secured the services of Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule.

The towering defender will link up with his new side at the start of next season, when his current contract at the Allianz Arena expires.

Dortmund beat the likes of Chelsea