Borussia Dortmund have refused to sell Mats Hummels’s understudy Matthias Ginter, raising speculation that the former could be heading to Manchester United this summer.
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The Red Devils have been heavily linked to the World Cup-winning centre-back, with ESPN reporting that the Germany international has been targeted by Louis van Gaal as the Dutchman looks to improve his defensive options.
According to the Daily Star, Dortmund have refused to accept an approach from Borussia Monchengladbach for Ginter, raising speculation that they plan for the defender to have a big role at the club next season.
The Star believe that BVB’s refusal to offload the young defender can be construed as a major hint that Hummels is nearing a move away from the German giants.
As things stand, the club are not short of centre-backs, with Hummels, as well as Sokratis, Neven Subotic competing for playing time in the middle of the defence.
21-year-old Ginter is the fourth-choice of the quartet, and only made nine starts in the Bundesliga last term, as well as five substitute appearances.
It’s hard to see why Dortmund wouldn’t use the peripheral figure to raise funds unless, of course, they see him as a likely successor to Hummels next term.
As reported by the Star, BVB’s sporting director Michael Zorc explained that regardless of Gladbach’s determination, they had no plans to offload Ginter.
“We did not have any case the intention to let him go,” he confirmed.
Beyond Hummels, United have also been linked to Everton’s John Stones [Mail Sport] and Nicolas Otamendi of Valencia [Mirror Sport]. They had been rumoured to be in the running for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Miranda [Metro], but the Brazil international now looks set to sign for Inter Milan [Goal].