Manchester United Transfer News: Top Rumours on Big Deals Eyed by Red Devils

The journalist who claimed Manchester United have made an official transfer offer for Borussia Dortmund's star defender Mats Hummels elaborated on the rumour on Wednesday, giving fans more details on negotiations between both clubs.

Sport Witness contacted the Italian journalist, who believes Die Schwarzgelben are reluctant to sell but Louis van Gaal is pushing for a transfer nonetheless:

The Daily Express' Ben Jefferson previously reported on the rumoured bid, echoing the same sentiment: Borussia don't want to sell, but that isn't stopping the Red Devils from testing the water.

Most fans are well aware of the 2014 World Cup winner's situation. Dortmund are having a nightmare season in the Bundesliga and could be losing both Hummels and Marco Reus in the near future, with plenty of top clubs eyeing the duo.

The 26-year-old centre-back impressed for Germany at the World Cup but disappointed for the majority of 2014, as injuries and inconsistency held him back.

He still ranks as one of the world's best defenders, basing his game around athleticism, vision and tremendous passing ability. Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe remains a big fan of the German:

When healthy, Hummels likely walks into virtually every top team's starting XI thanks to his versatility and all-round ability. Health is a big issue, however, and interested parties will have to take his lengthy injury history into account. According to Transfermarkt.co.uk, he's yet to go a full season without missing time since joining Dortmund.

Hummels is Dortmund's captain, and the club has been instrumental in resurrecting his career after he failed to convince with Bayern Munich. Club captains don't usually complete transfers in January, particularly when their team is struggling the way Die Schwarzgelben are.

Pundit and former Premier League star Jan Aage Fjortoft remains adamant a January transfer is out of the question:

A summer move appears more likely, giving Hummels the chance to help Dortmund finish the season on a high note before moving to a new club.

Norwegian starlet Martin Odegaard is reportedly close to snubbing a host of Premier League clubs, including the Red Devils, in favour of a move to Real Madrid. According to the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, the 16-year-old has flown to the Spanish capital to finalise talks.

Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke knows the Spanish press are reporting a similar story:

The Norway international has been touring the continent and visiting with seemingly every top club before making a final decision, and it now seems the current Champions League holders have won the race for his signature.

Blessed with remarkable vision, technique and athletic ability, the teenager is widely regarded as one of the top talents on the planet. Expectations are incredibly high and, via The Times' Oliver Kay, he personally believes he's almost ready to make an impact on the biggest stage:

Real Madrid have plenty of capable midfielders, but the young star clearly believes in his own ability and has decided to take the biggest challenge on the market.

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