David Moyes’ side are struggling to compete in the Premier League, and have seen Liverpool take pole position in the race for fourth.
Dortmund centre-back Hummels is considered to be one of the finest ball-playing defenders in the game, and United are keen on bringing in a top replacement for the outgoing Nemanja Vidic.
However the German has his heart set on a move to Spanish champions Barcelona, who can guarantee him the domestic and European glory he craves.
Reports in Spain claim the Catalan club have held talks with Hummels as they seek to replace injury-hit veteran Carles Puyol, and the lure of playing alongside some of the world’s best players could trump any deal United put on the table.
Despite the rumours, Moyes feels that the Red Devils stand a chance of landing the ex-Bayern Munich youngster if they join Europe’s elite next season, and will look to match any fee offered by Barcelona.
Written by Steve Milne
Follow me on Twitter: @stevenmilnelive
