Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender is a target for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Mirror says Ferguson sent his brother and chief scout, ­Martin, to watch Bender in action for their country in the Germany's goalless draw with Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

Bender penned a two-year extension in March to keep him at Leverkusen until 2017, but that will not prevent Ferguson from stepping up his interest between now and the summer.

Bayer rate Hummels at £25 million.