Liverpool have been linked with a move for Manuel Akanji, but would he prefer a Manchester United switch?
The Reds are said to be prepared to wait until the summer to land the centre-back, with Basel reluctant to sell next month having reached the Champions League last 16.
Akanji, 22, is a bright talent and a potential alternative to Virgil van Dijk – one who would certainly be cheaper than the expensively valued Southampton defender.
One sticking point however could be that Akanji dreams of signing for another English club… Manchester United.
Teamtalk reported that Akanji declared last summer after winning the Swiss Rookie of the Year award: “I want to stay healthy, go with Switzerland to the World Cup, and someday play for Manchester United.”
United are yet to enter the race, but they did get a first hand look at him in the Champions League group stages.
Akanji helped shut United out in a 1-0 win in Switzerland, although Basel were beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Providing Liverpool demonstrate they want him more, they could win the race for Akanji, and expressing interest this early is a good start. But if the Red Devils step in and match fee and wages, then the defender’s choice appears to have been made already.
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