Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Deals Big Blow to Louis Van Gaal

Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels has suggested he has "so much further to go" at the Westfalenstadion, dismissing suggestions he could join Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Louis van Gaal needs to strengthen his defence during the winter and is repeatedly being linked with a swoop for the German defender.

Supporters have been clamouring for a world-class leader at the back, someone to organise and dominate opponents, but Hummels has reiterated his desire to remain with Jurgen Klopp's side.

He spoke to Bundesliga Magazin International, reported via Telegraph Sport:

"

It's nice to hear that big clubs like that are interested in you. I take that as a compliment. But it doesn't influence me in any way, otherwise. We earn enough here in Dortmund. 

There will always be someone who can pay more than BVB. But Dortmund have made a lot of progress during my time here. In any case: I believe that it's enough for me. If one day I start thinking about playing abroad, money won't be the reason. But I don't even think about that at the moment. We still have so much further to go here.

"

Hummels also cited one-club players such as Paolo Maldini and Steven Gerrard, two individuals who are known for embodying everything their clubs represent. The centre-back has played most of his career at BVB, after moving from Bayern Munich as a youngster, and has never appeared anything other than committed to the black-and-yellow shirt.

Klopp confirmed Hummels was "going nowhere" during the summer, as he aims to maintain the services of the defender and his most prominent attacking threat, Marco Reus. Dortmund's progress has stuttered in recent seasons due to the club's willingness to let Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski not only leave but join their bitter title rivals Bayern Munich.

Hummels' commitment and quality was rewarded with the captaincy at the start of the current campaign. He has struggled for fitness and has made two appearances in six Bundesliga games this season, per WhoScored.com.

Dortmund have failed to win their last three domestic matches and are sitting 12th with seven points from a possible 18, already seven behind Bayern.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Many will suggest their title hopes have faded already, as now the Bavarians are top, it's difficult to see Pep Guardiola's men relinquishing their lead. Bayern are yet to show anywhere near their best form and still remain unbeaten, having conceded just two goals during the opening six weeks.

They are the only side in the division who can take time to embed signings, find their best strategy and fitness without dropping major points.

United fans can perhaps feel a slight dose of vindication knowing the player hasn't enjoyed a decent start to the season. Hummels was particularly sloppy during Dortmund's recent loss in the Ruhr derby fixture against Schalke, noted by football writer Stefan Bienkowski:

Despite constant rumours toward his future, Hummels' current deal doesn't include a buyout clause, noted by football radio personality Pilib de Brun:

Van Gaal's defence is a source of constant worry right now. Not only are Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling constantly battling injuries, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, their quality is questionable when in the side.

Jones is perhaps the only player who has shown himself to be good enough for the club this season, as both of his aforementioned team-mates have posted sloppy performances when fit.

A leader is needed, but it appears unlikely that man is Hummels. United missed a trick when failing to sign Ezequiel Garay during the summer and should have worked more avidly to secure powerful, intimidating specimens for the back line.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Marcos Rojo put in a decent shift in the centre-back role against West Ham but lacks the natural physicality needed to dominate opponents in the Premier League. Youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair have shown real promise, but Van Gaal should be hesitant to rely on such inexperience throughout the entire season.

January will be a key month for the club, there's no doubt about it. It simply can't pass without major investment in defence. United's attack was boosted thoroughly throughout the summer, and the same needs to happen at the back.

Hummels appears an unreachable target, meaning the club and supporters must look to alternative sources before United can be considered a legitimate threat to the title once more.