Manchester United transfer news: Mats Hummels' father dismisses January Old Trafford move

Manchester United have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Mats Hummels after the defender's father made it clear that he will not leave Borussia Dortmund in January.

The Old Trafford club were very keen to bring in the German defender as an answer to all their defensive woes this season, but will have to wait till the summer to have a chance of landing him.

Recent reports were suggesting that Louis van Gaal was preparing a reported £35m deal to bring him to Manchester to shore up the United back line.

However, the German defender's father Hermann Hummels has dismissed speculation that his son will leave the club during the ongoing January transfer window.

"There is nothing to it," Hummels said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

The Dortmund defender was one of the key players in Germany's World Cup winning team and also for his club in the Bundesliga last season. But the 26-year-old defender has failed to find the form this season, as Jurgen Klopp's men are struggling in 17<sup>th place on the table tied on points with bottom club Freiburg.

Apart from United, Premier League rivals Arsenal were also credited with interest for the defender following Arsene Wenger's admission that he will look to sign a centre-back to provide cover for Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal has given a fitness update on January signing Victor Valdes. The United manager has admitted that when he invited the former Barcelona keeper to continue his rehabilitation with the Old Trafford club it was for the benefit of both the player and the club.

"When we invite Victor Valdes to have his rehabilitation here in Manchester United you do that for him and also for yourself," Van Gaal said, as quoted on Sky Sports.

"You have the chance to see his rehabilitation but also if his quality is still the same and he has confirmed both," the Dutchman added.