According to reporting by Kicker, Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal attempted to sign Switzerland international of Nigerian parentage Manuel Akanji before he agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old has penned a deal tying him to the eight-time German champions until 30 June 2022.

''He is a pleasant boy, is reasonably grounded - that's good for us, '' said coach Peter Stöger on Akanji.

Akanji spent spent two and a half seasons at Basel , and helped the club win the Super League in 2016 and the domestic double in 2017.

The central defender has started training with his new teammates and is in line to make his debut when Dortmund face Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga on Friday.

He will be registered by Borussia Dortmund for the UEFA Europa League.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : bvb.de