Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Mats Hummels, Aymeric Laporte Rumours

Manchester United's search for a quality centre-back may not include Mats Hummels. But it could involve Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte.

Hummels appears to be ruling himself out of a move. The classy, ball-playing central defender once again dismissed the United rumours, per German publication Bild (h/t ESPN FC):

"

It's not like those rumours are a new situation for any of us. Also with me where rumours have continuously been spread -- and I am still around.

Are you looking for a headline?

"

That's something of a blow for United boss Louis van Gaal. Hummels is an ideal fit for the possession-based game the Dutchman favours.

It's a style of play that demands patiently building attacks from the back. That's one of Hummels' core skills, according to B/R analyst Sam Tighe, who cites the Germany international's comfort on the ball:

Tighe also referenced Hummels' aerial prowess. The Dortmund ace has all of the attributes Van Gaal's stitched-together United defences have lacked during this season.

The former Netherlands boss has been desperately trying to make his three-at the-back policy work. But his current squad simply doesn't boast a centre-back who's at once commanding and powerful, as well as composed in possession.

But even if Hummels has taken himself out of the frame, the search isn't over yet for Van Gaal. In fact, the United chief may not even rue missing out on Hummels. Not if he ends up signing Laporte instead.

That's a distinct possibility after Real Madrid were ruled out of the running for the France U-21 international. Sky Sports La Liga reporter Guillem Balague has stated Los Blancos are happy with the existing options at the heart of their defence, per SkySports.com.

Mail Online writer Simon Jones had reported both United and Los Merengues were vying to sign 20-year-old Laporte. But Balague believes Madrid's hesitation can clear the way for United to make a move.

He suggests Bilbao know the Red Devils are keen, but will demand big money from the Premier League side:

If there's a chance to sign Laporte, United must pursue it. Though he doesn't have the pedigree of Hummels, Laporte is still an exceptional, burgeoning young talent. 

Goal.com writer George Ankers assessed Laporte as: "Fast, confident and skillful on the ball." He also noted his ability to play left-back, something Ankers believes would be a great asset in Van Gaal's 3-5-2 tactical structure.

But for all his qualities, Laporte still carries a high price tag for a player who is more promise than finished product at this stage. Of course, United may not be able to avoid spending big if it means finally improving their shaky defence.

Paying a lot for Laporte now will certainly be justified if he quickly reaches his potential in England's top flight. Then United would have a solid presence at the back for years to come.

Tighe has previously noted Laporte's long-term potential, making him worth the money for Van Gaal and United:

That fits with claims from ESPN sources, stating the club will only "pursue prime targets in this transfer window," per ESPN FC reporter Miguel Delaney. The decision to pass on so-called "stop-gap" signings is handy, since neither Hummels nor Laporte fit that description.

Besides, with a team struggling for consistency in both the league and the FA Cup, Van Gaal will surely know he needs top-quality recruits now.