Report: Southampton looking to hijack Liverpool move for Akanji

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Southampton are keen on Swiss talent Manuel Akanji.

Southampton are considering using the Virgil van Dijk money to beat Liverpool to the defender they have been tipped to partner him with.

Swiss newspaper Blick report the Saints are monitoring talented Basel centre-back Manuel Akanji.

Akanji, 22, is rated as Switzerland’s best centre-back prospect and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is an admirer.

The Independent reported in late December that Liverpool are keen on signing Akanji, viewing him as an ideal partner for Van Dijk.

Liverpool are prepared to wait until the summer as Basel do not wish to sell mid-season due to their involvement in the Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund are keen too, but Southampton’s interest and funds complicates matters.

Akanji is just 22 and should be wary of making a big move too soon.

He only needs to look at Van Dijk to see the benefit of patience, with the Dutchman becoming the world’s most expensive defender after two years at the Saints.