Manchester United and Barcelona Suffer Blow in Defender Chase

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has revealed he will not leave the Bundesliga club in the summer. The 24-year-old has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Barcelona but the Germany international insists there has been no contact about his services.

"I will certainly be at Dortmund next season. There has been no contact with Barca or any other team," he told Kicker.

Hummels has been in impressive form this season, with three goals and four assists from 39 starts in all competitions. The centre-back has been touted as long-term replacement for either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford. Incoming manager David Moyes, who replaces the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, inherits a strong defensive unit, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones the brightest talents.

However, both Smalling and Jones are relatively inexperienced. Hummels, though, comes with an immense amount of domestic and Champions League experience, as well as 24 caps for the German national team.

The Catalans are expected to consider the German as replacement for veteran Carlos Puyol. The inspirational Barcelona captain is 35 years old and has been plagued by injuries for the past couple of seasons. Barcelona are also reported to be tracking out of favour Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

Javier Hernandez on Sir Alex Ferguson

Finally, United striker Javier Hernandez has hailed Ferguson for the influence he has had on his career. The 24-year-old Mexican scored the final goal in the 71-year-old Scot's career in the epic 5-5 draw against West Brom. He also hailed Paul Scholes, who retired for the second time, after 499 Premier League appearances.

"The impact Sir Alex has had on me is massive. He gave me this big chance to play at the biggest club in the world. He has taught me a lot and I only have thankful words for him. It [Sir Alex's retirement] is not only a loss for the British fans but he has changed football across the world," he told MUTV.

"And what can I say about Paul Scholes? All the players say the same thing about him - he's an incredible player and team-mate, and the c lass and talent he has is unbelievable," Hernandez concluded.