Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Deal Close, Hugo Lloris Eyed

Manchester United continue to hunt the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and may finally be closing in on his signature, according to the English press.

Colin Harvey of the Daily Star, citing reports in Germany, suggests the defender is "growing frustrated" with life at the Westfalenstadion. Dortmund's 2-0 loss to Frankfurt sunk them to last in the Bundesliga and leaves Jurgen Klopp's men 12 points off the Champions League places after three wins in 13 domestic matches.

This could play into United's hands, according to Harvey, who notes Hummels is looking for an "escape route." While it seems unlikely the 25-year-old would ditch BVB during their tough run—he has always appeared committed to the club's cause—Louis van Gaal may certainly fancy his chances of landing the dominant defender if Dortmund's poor form continues.

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Rob Shepherd of the Daily Mail suggests Arsenal have already begun searching for alternatives to Hummels, who he indicates is more likely to join United. Meanwhile, Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror) outlines a potential £32 million fee for anyone who wishes to snap Hummels up.

Prior to United's wins over Arsenal and Hull, The Guardian's Jamie Jackson highlighted how important Hummels' presence could be for Van Gaal, as told to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

"I think and I hope these discussions about us fighting relegation won't last and will pass off by December," Hummels told to Sport1 (via Dominic Raynor of Goal.com).

If the unthinkable happens with the World Cup winner at the club, a free-for-all to gain his signature would emerge.

United's defensive problems have been well documented this season, despite the team conceding the joint-fourth lowest amount of goals alongside Arsenal in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com. Only the top three and Swansea have let in fewer, but United largely have David De Gea to thank for this statistic.

The Spaniard halted a flurry of opportunities against Everton and Arsenal, two matches in which he could have conceded multiple times. However, Sky Sports notes Real Madrid are lurking to sign him up, and Harry Pratt of the Daily Star indicates Van Gaal has already targeted Hugo Lloris as a potential replacement.

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Pratt believes De Gea's Old Trafford career will be over if United fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, with the same also being said for Lloris at White Hart Lane.

The Spurs goalkeeper is an acrobatic type and someone who loves to play sweeper with quick bursts off his line. Hummels isn't the quickest, so Lloris would certainly be a viable choice to cover the defender if the reported changes go ahead.

De Gea is one of United's most important players right now, though. He has overcome considerable pressure to outline himself as one of the world's best and is a potential future captain for the club. Van Gaal will want to do everything possible to keep the 24-year-old who has the quality to continue dominating across the next decade.

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United's immediate success may determine whether this happens in England or abroad. Supporters will undoubtedly be wary of Madrid's threat—Los Blancos have captured David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo from the club over the years—so will be itching to see De Gea ink a new contract. Until then, the unsettling reports will gain intensity.