Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Mats Hummels and Ryan Shawcross

Manchester United's reported pursuit of Mats Hummels could come to a crashing halt after it was reported the Old Trafford club are considering moves for Ryan Shawcross and Ron Vlaar.

Louis van Gaal has endured a season of limited defensive options. This is partly due to his inability to sign a world-class centre-back during the summer, but it can also be attributed to injuries which have continually kept Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling sidelined.

While Hummels' saga looks set to roll on without conclusion, Van Gaal is said to be weighing up bids for Shawcross and Vlaar, two experienced Premier League players.

As reported by ESPN and via Alex Harris of the Daily Star, Van Gaal is "considering a January move" for Shawcross. The ex-United player failed to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils during his spell at the club between 2006 and 2008, but he could soon be used as a quick solution to the side's lack of authority at the back.

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Shawcross has developed into one of the Premier League's most physical defenders at Stoke. He is tall, powerful and aggressive. Most importantly, he is often seen organising his defensive colleagues.

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey suggests the 27-year-old may finally receive the recognition he deserves if United come calling:

Former United defender John O'Shea recommends Hummels, despite scoring against the Borussia Dortmund stalwart during the Republic of Ireland's dramatic 1-1 draw with Germany, per Nick Lustig of the Daily Star:

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I could definitely recommend them Mats Hummels from Germany. He was fantastic last night. It seems to be that he doesn't want to leave Germany. But you never know, there's always different incentives they [Man United] can offer to change that.

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Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News told B/R UK's Ryan Bailey that Hummels could turn United into title favourites:

Vlaar has been touted as another potential option for United. The Dutchman worked excellently under Van Gaal for the Netherlands, as highlighted throughout his immovable performances at the World Cup.

Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC believes Vlaar "is eager to link up with his old international boss," having already agreed personal terms on a provisional basis.

Aston Villa's alleged £12 million valuation could pose problems. Vlaar will be 30 in February and his contract runs out at the end of the season, meaning he could move to United for free in the summer.

It is unlikely Van Gaal will become desperate enough to spend so lavishly just to capture his services for an extra five months, particularly because he could use the money elsewhere and grab Vlaar for no additional cost later in the year.

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B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes United would be ill-advised to spend so much on the player:

Van Gaal desperately needs to find both short-term and long-term solutions to his defensive problems. Hummels' arrival shouldn't be counted on, particularly as it's likely a concrete bid would have happened by now. Shawcross and Vlaar could form a useful partnership alongside each other, or indeed United's current centre-backs, but will be scoffed at due to their unglamorous nature.

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Not all signings need to be £30 million world beaters, as highlighted with the arrival of Daley Blind. Van Gaal needs to add stabilisers to a squad that already has its ribbons attached.

A January move for Shawcross appears the most viable, as United wouldn't have to pay the massive fee of Vlaar and won't worry about the player being unable to adapt to English football.

While Van Gaal should have never allowed the situation to develop this far, he certainly needs to rectify it as soon as possible if United are to return to the promised land of the Champions League.