Mats Hummels to Manchester United: Jurgen Klopp says centre-back will not be leaving Borussia Dortmund

World Cup winner has been linked with a move to Old Trafford

Mats Hummels will not be leaving Borussia Dortmund for Manchester United, according to his manager Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels will not be joining Manchester United, said his manager Jurgen Klopp.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer, after United long-term defensive pairing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both left the club at the end of last season.

But speaking after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Klopp told reporters that the defender would not be leaving Germany.

"He (Hummels) is going nowhere. He is staying with us," said Klopp.

In a further attempt to keep the World Cup winner happy, Klopp has named Hummels as club captain for the new season.

With a move seeming unlikely, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks short of a top class centre-back heading into the new season.

Van Gaal currently has Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in his first team squad, but beyond those the next option would be 21-year-old Michael Keane or playing another player out of position.

Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick have both filled in at centre-back in the past but the latter is injured.

United have now seemingly missed out on their top two defensive targets, with Thomas Vermaelen moving to Barcelona at the weekend. The 20-time English champions are still linked with numerous defenders, including Real Madrid's Raphael Varane. Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen and Roma's Mehdi Benatia.

Van Gaal is also preparing to slim down his squad, with up to seven players set for an exit from Old Trafford.