According to reports in Swiss media outlet Blick, Southampton and West Ham United have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Basel centre-back Manuel Akanji, who is rated at €20m (approximately £17.7m) by his club, before the January transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

What's the word, then?

Well, Blick says that Dortmund are hoping to tie up a deal for the 22-year-old defender soon, although the player would have a decision to make as he will want to be playing regularly ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer.

Blick says that the Bundesliga giants have already offered €15m (approximately £13.3m) but the Swiss club want more and know that there is interest from the Premier League.

The report adds that Saints and the Irons, along with Spurs, are also keeping tabs on the centre-half and have the financial muscle to potentially create a bidding war – something that would suit Basel.

How good has Akanji been this season?

He has been excellent.

The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as a key player at the back for Basel, helping them qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League by playing every minutes in their group games, and he has become a regular fixture for Switzerland in recent months.

The defender has scored two goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this term, and according to WhoScored.com he has won eight tackles, made 13 interceptions, 12 blocks and 31 clearances in Europe this term, as well as winning 15 of the 23 aerial duels he has faced.

He is known for his pace and his long passes, which could prove to be two useful traits if he does seal a move to the Premier League this month.

Would he be a good signing for Southampton or West Ham?

He certainly would be.

Akanji has shown in the league and the Champions League for Basel the quality and potential he has, and if either club could pick him up for around £18m in the current market they would probably be delighted.

Saints may well be looking for a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk following his move to Liverpool, while David Moyes could try to add a younger centre-back to his squad with most of his options in that position either above 30 years of age or reaching that milestone this year.

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