Hummels hands timely boost to Old Trafford chiefs.
Manchester United have received a timely boost in their long-term pursuit of central defender Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund, report the Daily Star, with the top class World Cup winner having conclusively denied reports that he has an agreement in place with Barcelona.
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A number of reports emerged during the hectic summer transfer window suggesting that Hummels had agreed to sign for Barcelona, but the German has poured plenty of cold water on those claims:
“According to various media outlets I’ve negotiated with several clubs and already signed a pre-contract with Barcelona, but there isn’t a grain of truth in any of it.”
This could come as a boost for Manchester United, with manager Louis van Gaal believed to have identified Hummels as his primary target to help improve the centre of United’s defence, an area that has caused them real issues during the season, with the likes of untried youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair having had to deputise.
The news is not all good, however, with Hummels also having reaffirmed his commitment to Dortmund, the club where his career has really taken off following a frustrating spell as a youngster with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Hummels is likely to cost a huge fee to prise away from Signal Iduna Park, but his head could be turned if Dortmund are unable to turn around their shaky start to the season under Jurgen Klopp, with the weekend’s defeat to fierce local rivals Schalke having further dented their league ambitions – although Borussia remain well-placed in the Champions League after thrashing Anderlecht.