Barcelona are reportedly ready to outbid Manchester United in order to beat them to the signature of sought-after Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
The Red Devils are believed to have lodged a £20m offer for the Germany centre-half, who scored the goal which sent his country into the World Cup semi-finals.
New United manager Louis van Gaal is in need of defensive reinforcements after long-serving partners Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left Old Trafford at the end of last season.
Van Gaal, currently in charge of the Netherlands, has been touted with an interest in several of his Dutch backline, but United have long retained an interest in Hummels and he is believed to be their top target.
However, The Express reports that Barcelona are prepared to offer the 25-year-old, who has 34 international caps, a bumper wage packet in order to persuade him to opt for the Camp Nou.
The Spanish giants are in a similar situation to United, with former midfielder Luis Enrique a fresh face in the dugout and the departure of captain Carles Puyol leaving them short at the back.
Joe Fish
