Mats Hummels told Sir Alex Ferguson that if he ever left Borussia Dortmund it would be for Manchester United, it has been claimed.
The Germany centre-back has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United in recent months, amid suggestions Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is plotting a move to take him to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
But Hummels has long been a wanted man at Manchester United and was first identified as a potential arrival by Ferguson.
Indeed, in 2012, Ferguson set his sights on an ambitious triple swoop on Borussia Dortmund, wanting Manchester United to sign Shinji Kagawa, Robert Lewandowski and Hummels.
In the event, Ferguson only managed to capture Kagawa, with Lewandowski and Hummels deciding to remain in Germany under Jurgen Klopp.
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However, according to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Hummels told Ferguson that if he ever chose to leave Borussia Dortmund then it would be for Manchester United, if the Red Devils still wanted him.
Hummels recently admitted that he cannot decide whether he wants to leave the Ruhr giants, but accepts that if he wishes to play abroad he must soon take the call.
Manchester United have been linked with offering a big-money fee to tempt Borussia Dortmund to sell, however if Hummels wants to remain in Germany, the Bundesliga club will not push him out of the door.
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