Victor Osimhen has reportedly made a personal phone call to Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji in a bid to convince the Swiss international to join Galatasaray this summer.

The Nigerian striker, who completed his permanent move to the Turkish giants for €75m (£65m) after a successful loan spell from Napoli, is said to have taken on a recruiting role for his new club.

According to Turkish source Yeni Acik, Osimhen personally contacted Akanji to try and persuade him to make the switch to Istanbul as Galatasaray seek their third major summer signing following the arrivals of Osimhen and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané.

The 30-year-old Swiss defender has found game time limited at the Etihad Stadium this season, with John Stones and Ruben Dias preferred in central defence for City’s Premier League opener against Wolves.

French journalist Santi Aouna reports that City are seeking £18m for Akanji, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for £15m in September 2022. Galatasaray have had an opening bid of £15m rejected but remain in negotiations.

Fabrizio Romano reveals that City are “open to selling Akanji as Guardiola wants [his] squad to be reduced,” with Galatasaray chiefs having flown to England to try and finalise the deal.

The Swiss international has made 136 appearances for City in all competitions, helping them win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, amongst other silverware.

Akanji’s potential departure is part of City’s squad revamp, with manager Pep Guardiola acknowledging it is not “healthy” for his bloated squad to have top-quality players on the fringes.

Galatasaray are also reportedly pursuing City goalkeeper Ederson as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign registration deadline.