Bayern's Hummels admits Manchester United move was 'very close'

Considering the lack of world-class central defenders that have passed through the legendary gates of Old Trafford in the last five years, Manchester United really let this one off the hook it seems.

In an exclusive interview with the Dailymail's Dominic King, Mats Hummels revealed just how close he was to joining the Red Devils back in 2013.

"Yes," Hummels conceded when asked if he was ever close to signing for the Premier League side. "Yes, yes, yes. It was close (10 second pause). Very close.

"There were talks, several times in the last few years. They were the offers. I had England or one of the three Spanish clubs," he said.

Hummels went on to specify the individual clubs that seemed legitimately ready to put pen to paper for the accomplished centre-back.

"The Spanish interest was loose, loose offers," Hummels said. "I don't like it that way. Nothing got close like the one from England.

"Van Gaal wanted me but he wasn't the only one. It is getting difficult for me now to play in England. I'm 28 next month and I've signed here for five years."

Apart from citing Van Gaal, the 27-year old mentioned another Premier League manager who had a huge impact on his career.

"We wouldn't have had that success with another coach in Dortmund, no way," Hummels said. "He (Jurgen Klopp) is very emotional. All the time, on the training pitch. He can't settle down.

"We had two big opinions, two big egos. Sometimes you can get into a fight but you know everything the next day will be okay. We could always talk about it. The relationship I had with him was really important."

The Germany international said he was never really a Liverpool fan until his eccentric ex-manager turned friend wound up in charge of the team from Merseyside.

"I can't say I am a Liverpool fan. I don't have a club in England. I just want Klopp to win," he added. "If he was coach of another team, I would support them.

"I cheer for Klopp."