Mats Hummels transfer latest: Manchester United to revive interest as Liverpool's Tiago Ilori could hold the key to move

Louis van Gaal is keen on signing the World Cup-winning centre-back, although the belief is he would prefer to stay with Borussia Dortmund for another year

Germany international Mats Hummels (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal could look to follow up his interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mats Hummels with a formal bid as the Premier League side look to revive their interest in the Germany international, according to reports.

The 25-year-old impressed during Germany’s successful World Cup campaign, but he appeared to quash talk of a move away from Dortmund as he admitted he would like to spend another season with them in the Bundesliga.

He is also wanted by Spanish side Barcelona, who are looking to replace the long-serving centre-back Carlos Puyol after he retired last season following a string of knee injuries. With the allure of Champions League football putting Barcelona ahead of United in the pecking order, it appears that two Liverpool defenders could hold the key to the Red Devils’ hopes of landing their target.

Daniel Agger has been linked with a move to the Catalans this summer, and should the Dane complete a move it would fill the void that Barcelona have at the back, with the likes of Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra available for new manager Luis Enrique to choose from.

It’s also reported that Dortmund have been impressed with Liverpool youngster Tiago Ilori, and while the 21-year-old spent last season on loan with Granada, he could be eyed a s a replacement for Hummels should the World Cup winner move on to pastures new.

The Portuguese youth international impressed during his time away from Anfield last term, and Dortmund had been in the running to land the defender from Sporting Lisbon, only to be put off by the £8m asking fee that Liverpool reportedly paid to sign Ilori – who was born in Hampstead but moved to Portugal where his mother was born at a young age.

Ilori is yet to make his senior debut for Portugal and could still play for England, although he has represented the Portuguese throughout his youth career and has signalled his intention to play for the country should a call-up come in the near future.

United maintain interest in Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen despite seeing a £10m move rejected earlier this summer. The Belgian is set for talks regarding his future with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, and he could persuade the Frenchman to let him go after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates.