Manuel Akanji: Manchester City launch surprise £15m bid for centre back

Manchester City have launched a surprise bid of £15 million to sign Manuel Akanji, the Switzerland and Borussia Dortmund centre back.

City appeared to have finished their transfer business a couple of weeks ago when they signed the left back Sergio Gómez from Anderlecht, but the Premier League champions have gone back into the market and are confident of making Akanji their sixth summer signing.

City held positive talks with Dortmund this week and are expected to complete the signing of the 27-year-old before the transfer window closes on Thursday. Akanji is expected to sign a five-year deal worth about £180,000 per week, including bonuses.

Leicester City had been favourites to sign Akanji, but a move to City is preferred by the right-footed, 6ft 2in