Transfer blow for Man United as defensive target opens Bayern talks

Manchester United have received a blow in their chase for Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels, with Bayern Munich in talks with the highly-coveted defender, Guardian reports.

Hummels has been heavily linked with a move away from the Westfalendstadion the past season, with the likes of the Red Devils and Arsenal both eyeing the Germany international.

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However, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenige revealed on Tuesday that he has been in talks with Hummels over a potential switch to the Allianz Arena, denting the Premier League duo’s chances of landing the 2014 World Cup winner.

He said: “I can pretty much confirm what Mr Watzke said last night and that is that Mats is talking to Bayern.

“But these are talks between three parties and please understand that I cannot go into more detail at this moment.

“We have to respect that he is under contract at the moment [until 2017] and I don’t want to ruin the good relationship we have built up [with Dortmund] with some comments today.”

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said earlier this week that he will not stop Hummels leaving if he wants to look for a new challenge, but it seems that the 27-year-old will be following in the footsteps of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowksi in joining their Bundesliga rivals from the BVB.

“To forbid Hummels to leave would be small-minded,” Watzke said.

“We have to accept that someone playing for Dortmund for eight years and getting [close to] 28 starts to think about his situation.

“If the club isn’t ready to pay a lot of money, he has a contract in Dortmund.”

Hummels has made 46 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and supplying four assists.

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