Manchester United 'to rival' Juventus for Manuel Akanji and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to face a battle with Juventus for the signature of Manuel Akanji.

The Borussia Dortmund centre-back has earned some stellar reviews this season at the heart of the Bundesliga team's defence. Akanji is out of contract at the end of next season, meaning United could be able to get a better deal this summer as the Swiss international enters the last year of his contract.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti via The Hard Tackle, Dortmund are almost resigned to losing the talented central defender this summer. MEN Sport revealed last week that United are planning to prioritise signing a centre-back in the summer and Akanji could be among their targets.

ALSO READ: Manchester United fans deliver overwhelming verdict on Erik ten Hag appointment

Reports suggest that Juve are also interested due to the increasing age of their current centre-back paring of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Elsewhere, United have been linked to another centre-back who has been teammates with Anthony Martial this campaign.

Jules Kounde was subject to interest from Chelsea last summer but the deal fell through. However, reports from Marca suggest that the 23-year-old is set to move away from the La Liga side at the end of this season.

United are thought to be set to rival the Blues for his signature. Thomas Tuchel's men are deemed to be favourites to finally get their man after it was announced that Antonio Rudiger would be leaving the club.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.