article_snippet: As revealed by Sportsmail at the time, then-United manager Ferguson made a trip to Germany for the 2011-12 Cup final, in the hope of tying up an audacious triple transfer for Hummels, Robert Lewandowski and Shinji Kagawa.
article_snippet: In the event, then-United manager Ferguson only managed to lure Shinji Kagawa to Old Trafford after Dortmund stood firm over their other two prized assets, in the wake of a stunning victory over Bayern Munich.
article_snippet: But sources in Germany have revealed a conversation took place between Sir Alex Ferguson and Hummels and that the Dortmund centre-back gave Sir Alex Ferguson word that, if Sir Alex Ferguson moved abroad, it would be to Old Trafford.
article_snippet: With the 26-year old now indicating Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to quit the Westfalenstadion at the end of a traumatic Bundesliga campaign for Dortmund, after years of remaining loyal to them, it confirms Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to become the cornerstone of a new-look United defence next season.
article_snippet: Dortmund will hold out for around £36million for their stylish defender but that will not stop Louis van Gaal pushing through a deal as part of another lavish spending spree this summer.
article_snippet: Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Hummels by making a personal trip to Dortmund back in 2012 .
article_snippet: But Sir Alex Ferguson was only able to land Shinji Kagawa, who has since returned to the German giants .
highlights_snippet: Manchester United have long wanted the Borussia Dortmund defender .
  
highlights_snippet: Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 but failed .
  
highlights_snippet: The German promised Fergie that Sir Alex Ferguson would join one day, however .
  
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