Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Opens Door, Latest on Jordi Alba

Manchester United's defensive frailties continue to define their rumoured targets ahead of the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Jordi Alba of Barcelona are two names currently linked with filling the Red Devils' back line, although United fans will acknowledge speculation around both with a pinch of the white stuff. Hummels, in particular, remains a frustrating subject due to his constant link, per talkSPORT, with very little ground being made.

However, the German centre-back has recently admitted that if he's to leave Dortmund, his new club needs to offer the same attractive style of football as the Bundesliga side, per German outlet Kicker (via Stefan Coerts of Goal.com): "If a club with a bigger reputation than Dortmund were to make a move, but I don't like the way they play football, I wouldn't even consider a move. At Dortmund, the style of play is exactly like I want to play football."

For a player who has given potential suitors little encouragement over the past 12 months, these latest comments would appear to suggest Hummels isn't completely closed to the idea of a switch.

Louis van Gaal has partnered Marcos Rojo and Paddy McNair in central defence across the last two matches. Although Rojo is versatile enough to fill this position, he lacks the height and physical dominance to rely on across an entire season. He is also prone to being caught too far up the field or giving the ball away needlessly.

McNair, on the other hand, has proven a dependable youngster who looks accomplished after two games. The form and fitness of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans should continue to be questioned, as none of this trio have played to their true potential in quite some time.

This is true of many squad members at the club, although Van Gaal is upbeat on the future, per United's official Twitter account:

Hummels' presence would finally offer the club a defensive leader. He is useful on the ball, threatening from set pieces and possesses the power to dominate both in the air and on the ground. Although rarely afforded a consistent run of games due to recent injuries, Hummels' performances at the World Cup showcased what a vital source of assurance he is for the German victors.

Jon Super/Associated Press

He has long offered such quality for Dortmund. Van Gaal should certainly test BVB's resolve with a fair bid if he deems Hummels to be vital ahead of David De Gea. Defensive reinforcements will be important to this United side who conceded four against Milton Keynes Dons and five against Leicester City, as frailties at the back look set to continue until at least the winter window arrives.

United's style is always to attack and to play fast-paced football, much like that of Dortmund. If Hummels was to seek pastures new, his latest comments suggest United fill his criteria.

Alba is reportedly being targeted for the left-back role.

However, John Toner of the Daily Star believes Manchester City will offer competition for the Spaniard's signature: "Bosses at the Etihad are reportedly prepared to pay big money for the Manchester United target."

Van Gaal already has Rojo and Luke Shaw to deploy in that position (when everybody is fit), so it makes more sense to target central defenders first. Despite conceding a penalty during the 2-1 win over Everton, Shaw has posted two effective competitive performances for United. His development would be impacted by Alba's arrival and could see the English talent pushed aside for a more established star.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

It is this balance which Van Gaal needs to effectively strike. He needs to significantly strengthen the team without suffocating individuals such as Shaw, McNair and Tyler Blackett out of the equation. The immediate need for a Champions League place ensures world-class additions are pivotal, but Van Gaal's youngsters have already shown there is an intriguing base to work off at Old Trafford.

Everything certainly looks in place from an attacking viewpoint, but it is the quality of those behind the likes of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie that will ultimately decide whether United are branded "entertaining" or "effective" this season.

The team simply cannot afford to ship goals like they have been and must tighten up ahead of the January market. Failure to do so could see other clubs gain momentum in the hunt for players such as Hummels and Alba, as United's current league position needs to be maintained to ensure they are an attractive prospect at the turn of the year.