Manchester United Transfer News: Jurgen Klopp Says Mats Hummels Pondering Exit

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Saturday that centre-back Mats Hummels is considering a move away from Signal Iduna Park this summer, with Old Trafford a highly possible destination.

According to David Amoyal of Gianluca Di Marzio's website, Klopp praised his star defender as being good enough for the Red Devils while acknowledging Hummels already has Manchester on his mind:

The claim comes as slightly surprising when one considers it wasn't long ago the Black and Yellows were vying for Champions League and Bundesliga honours, but their decline this season is undeniable.

It's understandable, therefore, that some of the club's biggest stars may consider an exit from the Westfalenstadion in a bid to revive their own silverware ambitions.

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It's long been held that an elite central defender lies on the wish list of Manchester United chief Louis van Gaal despite Marcos Rojo's acquisition last summer.

However, the Daily Mail alleges Hummels won't be the only Dortmund-based target for the English giants this summer, with central midfielder Ilkay Gundogan also in their sights:

Rojo took his time slipping into Van Gaal's lineup but is now one of the club's most respected defenders and holds a more prominent place in the team than Jonny Evans, Phil Jones or Chris Smalling.

Should they be unable to lure Hummels, however, Manchester United may wish to look at alternative recruits for their defensive core, some of whom were recently assessed by Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Hummels has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several years now, but the 26-year-old's performances in helping Germany to claim last year's World Cup enhanced his reputation even further.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News recently revealed Hummels "made a promise" to former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, stating that he'd join the Red Devils if he departed Dortmund:

Without anything in writing, some may proclaim the statement serves little meaning, but it's yet another signal pointing to what's growing into a more and more likely scenario.

Van Gaal took over at the Bayern Munich helm in the summer of 2009 just as Hummels completed his move to North Rhine-Westphalia, although the transfer was already underway prior to his arrival.

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Six years later, it seems the Dutch tactician may get the opportunity to manage the player after all, except now Hummels' standards are far greater and his signature far more costly.

Nevertheless, Manchester United fans will be overjoyed to hear Klopp speak so candidly on the situation, another indicator that he may soon lose one of his most valued disciples to the allure of Old Trafford.