Liverpool register interest in Borussia Dortmund target

Liverpool have earmarked FC Basel centre-back Manuel Akanji as a top transfer target in January, claims The Independent. 

Jurgen Klopp wants to bolster his defensive options this winter and has seemingly moved on from Virgil van Dijk. 

Southampton were holding out for in excess of £60m for Van Dijk in the summer and Manchester City appear to have overtaken their rivals in the race for his signature. 

Liverpool are now ready to rival Borussia Dortmund for Akanji’s signature, but face a tough ask as reports in Germany claim Peter Stoger’s side are in advanced talks with the Swiss side. 

Basel are determined to keep hold of Akanji for at least the rest of the season after making the knockout phase of the Champions League, where they will face City. 

The Swiss giants finished second behind Manchester United in their Champions League group and Akanji played an integral role in his side’s success, finishing in the best WhoScored rated XI in Group A (7.20 rating).