Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement to sign central midfielder Axel Witsel from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.

The 29-year-old has spent the past 18 months in the Far East after reportedly snubbing the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

Belgium international Witsel is to return to Europe with Dortmund, however, as the Bundesliga outfit have triggered his release clause and offered him a four-year deal.

"We're very happy that he has chosen Borussia Dortmund," sporting director Michael Zorc said in a statement. "Axel is a player with a great deal of international experience who has all the skills to shape BVB's central midfield: tactical understanding, tackling power, speed, and creativity."

The player added: "I'm totally happy and also proud to be allowed to play for BVB soon. After our first conversation, I did not have to think twice, because for me Borussia Dortmund is one of the best clubs on the continent."

Witsel, who helped his country finish third at the 2018 World Cup, was recently touted as a target for Manchester United.