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Louis van Gaal has cooled his interest in Mats Hummels, despite missing out on Thomas Vermaelen.

The United manager is desperate to land a centre-back this summer - but his priority is a left-footer to fit into his preferred 3-5-2 formation.

Although the Dutchman is a firm admirer of Hummels, M.E.N. Sport understands the German World Cup winner is not his top choice even after United admitted defeat in their persuit of Vermaelen.

The Arsenal defender is now set to join Barcelona for £15m after van Gaal refused to agree to a swap deal, believed to have included Chris Smalling.

Ajax’s Daley Blind is another player United have tracked throughout the summer. The 24-year-old was deployed as a wing-back for Holland during the World Cup, but can also operate as a left-sided centre-back and holding midfielder.

Vermaelen was van Gaal’s preferred choice to supplement his three existing centre-backs Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Smalling.

But United maintained their interest in Blind even when in advanced negotiations with Arsenal.

Current Dutch footballer of the year Blind is valued at around £17m and has sparked speculation over his future after training alone in his homeland.

Ajax youth coach Richard Witschge told Heldenonline: “I think Daley Blind will be leaving soon. I have a feeling,

“He has been training by himself. I think he has done that because there’s something going on.”