Dortmund's Hummels 'turns down Man Utd'

Germany defender Mats Hummels has ended speculation about a possible transfer to Manchester United by confirming he will play for Borussia Dortmund next season, according to a report on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has turned down an approach from the English league giants and the Dortmund captain has told Borussia he will fulfil his contract which expires in 2017, according to magazine Kicker.

"It was fair enough that Mats gave it some thought, but I have always pointed out that he is firmly part of our plans," said Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc.

Zorc said he had met with Hummels and his father Hermann, who is also his agent, in which there was a "clear consensus" that he would stay with Dortmund.

Hummels fuelled speculation that he was considering a move to United in recent weeks by repeatedly admitting he was weighing up his options.

Reports in the UK media suggested Louis van Gaal's United had offered 40 million euros ($44.6m) for Hummels.

But the Germany star will now play a central role in the plans of future Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who will replace current boss Jurgen Klopp next season.

A bruised foot meant Hummels sat out last Saturday's 2-1 league defeat at VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, a dress rehearsal for the German Cup final on May 30.

He should be fit for Saturday's final home match against Werder Bremen with Dortmund needing a win, and for other results to go their way, in their bid for a Europa League place next season.

Hummels, a World Cup winner, came to Dortmund in 2008 on loan basis from Bayern Munich before signing a full contract and has made 194 league appearances scoring 17 goals.
Source: AFP