Not sure where this report is but there is a brief mention of LH being interested in MAN as a hub for BMI here:
http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness....-/-/whats-news
(4th paragraph down)
German carrier Lufthansa has hinted that its take-over of BMI could lead to Manchester Airport becoming a BMI hub in the future. The airline said Heathrow and Manchester could be in line for further flights if the European Union approves the takeover. Marianne Sammann, Lufthansa's UK and Ireland general manager, said its takeover of Swiss International Airlines in 2005 had resulted in more flights for Zurich airport. Sammann said: “In the UK, it's always a possibility. Provided there is the demand it's something we would look at. But we need the demand. Heathrow and Manchester always form part of the discussion.”