Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Publicly Denies Red Devils Rumours

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their long-running pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels after the German denied any promise to join them in the summer.

In another twist in a transfer story that stretches back to last summer, recent rumours had suggested Hummels' switch was finally on after a promise he made to Sir Alex Ferguson three years ago.

According to the Daily Mail's John Edwards, the Dortmund centre-back promised the former United boss that, should he ever move abroad, it would be to Old Trafford.

However, Hummels has now publicly stated via Twitter that there is no truth in said rumour, per Luke Edwards in The Telegraph: "To clarify it: this supposed 'promise' is simply fictitious and that’s the friendly formation."

Hummels' denial of a rumoured promise to Ferguson by no means rules out the possibility of a move to Old Trafford in the summer, and the Red Devils will surely still go in for him when the transfer window opens.

Dortmund have had a poor season in 2014-15 and look highly unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next term, potentially a key factor in keeping their 26-year-old skipper.

Hummels has been loyal to Dortmund thus far, but he may finally be on his way out of the Westfalenstadion, with club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke recently confirming he is considering his future, per Bild (h/t Simon Rice in The Independent):

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Mats held talks with me and [sporting director] Michael Zorc 14 days ago, and informed us that he is mulling over his future. That's totally legitimate. He is under contract until 2017, and we have not received an offer. That's why we are completely relaxed.

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United's defensive unit has improved this season, but it is still not of title-winning calibre, and the addition of Hummels would be a stabilising factor, although B/R UK's Stan Collymore does not see him as the complete solution:

A World Cup and Bundesliga-winning player, Hummels would bring vital experience and composure to United's central defence, where Phil Jones and Chris Smalling's naivety is often troubling.

Equally, at 26, Hummels could be a stalwart of Louis van Gaal's back line for years to come, a huge positive as stability is essential to form a truly world-class defensive unit.

He will not come cheap for the Red Devils, Edwards suggesting Dortmund will be looking for around £36 million to part with Hummels.

However, United showed last summer they are unafraid to splash the cash, and central defence is arguably the key area they need to strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

Hummels' latest comments are a setback for United in their ongoing pursuit of the defender, but a move is still most definitely on the cards.