Borussia Dortmund Beat Man Utd, Liverpool To Signature Of Nigerian Defender

Borussia Dortmund have won the race for the signature of Switzerland international of Nigerian descent Manuel Akanji.

The Basel central defender had been on the wishlist of Manchester United, Liverpool, West Brom and Southampton in the winter transfer market but the Premier League clubs have missed out on his services, with the player arriving in Dortmund Airport on Sunday morning ahead of his medical.

According to German newspaper Bild, Borussia Dortmund will cough up around 21.5 million euros to sign Akanji if performance related incentives are included.

Dortmund's first bid was up to 15 million euros but the transfer fee increased due to interest from other clubs.

The center back helped Basel qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, and went the distance in both games against Manchester United in the group stage.

Born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland to a Nigerian father and Swiss mom, Akanji has collected four caps for Switzerland's senior national team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel