Tottenham hijack race for Manuel Akanji 

Tottenham are closing in on a shock move for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, stealing a march on AC Milan and Crystal Palace just hours before the transfer window slams shut.

The 29-year-old Switzerland international has emerged as Ange Postecoglou’s top defensive target, with Spurs now in pole position to secure his signature in a dramatic late swoop.

Akanji’s potential switch to North London is the headline act of a frantic deadline day that has Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa all pushing to get business done.

The Blues are weighing up a blockbuster €90m bid for Barcelona’s 22-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez, even as coach Hansi Flick insists the Spaniard will not be sold. West Ham, meanwhile, have entered the race alongside Stuttgart for Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira.

Elsewhere, Juventus are monitoring Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui, RB Leipzig want Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, and Aston Villa are pressing ahead with a £21m move for Osasuna defender Enzo Boyomo.

Chelsea are also considering a late swoop for Braga’s 19-year-old striker Roger Fernandes, while Sevilla forward Dodi Lukebakio is attracting interest from two Premier League clubs.