Manchester United are chasing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender. The Sunday Times says the 23-year-old is valued at £15million and has been watched several times by Old Trafford scouts in action for Borussia Dortmund.

And Sir Alex Ferguson, who has ruled out spending in the January transfer window, could launch a bid in the summer.

Bender's season has been interrupted by injury and Dortmund, the defending Bundesliga champions, have struggled in his absence and trail leaders Bayern Munich by 12 points.

Ferguson has reportedly been attracted by Bender's defensive attributes and sees him as the perfect partner for the in-form Michael Carrick.