Mats Hummels was interesting Sir Alex Ferguson two years ago and Manchester United have not forgotten about Germany's defensive lynchpin. The centre-back, due to start tonight's World Cup semi-final against Brazil, is still wanted by Louis van Gaal as he seeks to bring in a distinguished distributor into United's defence.
Hummels has arguably been the best defender at this World Cup, although his Euro 2012 was going well until Mario Balotelli pummelled him in the semis, and United spoke with his advisors before the finals.
Borussia Dortmund are yet to make their annual sale, since Robert Lewandowski joined Bayern Munich on a free, and after İlkay Gündoğan signed a contract extension Hummels is the likeliest to leave the Westfalenstadion. His contract expires in 2017.
Hummels has scored twice at the World Cup, including the quarter-final winner against France
Germany are guaranteed to play twice more at the World Cup, so progress for United is unlikely to come this week, however they will have to reaffirm their interest quickly amid interest from Barcelona.
We reported recently United would intensify their pursuit of Arturo Vidal, and the Mail say Nani will be offered to Juventus, along with £30 million, for the dynamic Chilean midfielder.
Arsenal will sign Mathieu Debuchy for £7.9 million, replacing one French right-back with another. The likelihood is this fee will include add-ons - £11m was the overall valuation originally touted - and the Newcastle defender's arrival will appease Gooners getting impatient about a lack of transfer activity. They are one of a handful of Premier League clubs not to have signed anyone yet.
Debuchy enjoyed another excellent international tournament in French blue
Mr Makeweight in Debuchy's move could be Joel Campbell, who enjoyed a bright World Cup leading the line for Costa Rica. Arsenal are yet to sign a striker, though.
Alexis Sánchez was about as keen to travel to Liverpool as Boris Johnson, and the Reds have given up their last shred of hope that the Chilean might swap Catalonia for Merseyside.
Liverpool will also have to match the £25m they paid Southampton for Adam Lallana if they want Dejan Lovren, who arrived on the south coast for £8.5m last year.
Lovren has angered Southampton fans after threatening to go on strike
Jack Rodwell's disastrous stint at Manchester City didn't stop him from collecting a Premier League winner's medal this year but he could finally leave Eastlands and sign for Sunderland on loan.
And Samuel Eto'o could join Ashley Cole in Rome after his season at Chelsea ended with him firing more barbs at José Mourinho than he aimed shots at goal.