• Transfer News

United to look beyond Hummels

Miguel Delaney | ESPN FC
July 25, 2014
Van Gaal era starts with change

Manchester United have started to look at central defensive options beyond Mats Hummels as they are not confident of landing the Borussia Dortmund man, according to ESPN sources at Old Trafford.

United have trailed Hummels for some time but his current manager Jurgen Klopp dismissed the possibility of a move this week, while Dortmund's reluctance to allow another key player to leave is also said to be one of a number of reasons why any transfer currently looks unlikely.

Mats Hummels shone for Germany at the World Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge

"I can assure everyone there are no indicates Mats or Marco [Reus] want to leave," Klopp said. "They will be playing for us in the new season. What is the latest rumour - Mats to Manchester United? And for how much - €20 million (£15.8m)? For an amount like that you can forget about it straight away."

While United have not yet completely ruled out the signing, manager Louis van Gaal has already been investigating alternative targets, and is unwilling to allow any hesitation in the market to scupper his plans for the season.

Van Gaal is determined to sign a high-quality central defender to anchor his tactical approach, and also wishes to bring in a wing-back and a wide player who can operate further forward, with Angel Di Maria's name mentioned as an option for the latter.

United are still looking at central midfielders, too, and there remains some interest in Juventus' Arturo Vidal.

Vidal, however, appeared to pour cold water on rumours of a move to Old Trafford when speaking at Turin airport on Thursday.

This article originally appeared on ESPN FC

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices