Mats Hummels Reportedly Agrees to Manchester United Transfer, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly take a massive step toward signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels. The Old Trafford club has apparently agreed a deal worth £37 million for the Germany international.

That's according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Star reporter Rhys Turrell). The reports stress United won't get their man until the summer.

That means manager Louis Van Gaal will have to continue with his current options at the back. The Dutchman ahas struggled to find the right combination to make his 3-5-2 formation work.

New arrival Marcos Rojo has mixed with incumbents Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Van Gaal has even turned to untested youngsters Tyler Blackett and Patrick McNair.

What he needs is a natural focal point at the back. A talisman who can resist attacks and even get United moving forward.

Hummels fits that bill perfectly. B/R analyst Sam Tighe has detailed how comfort on the ball and classy distribution are the cornerstones of the Dortmund man's game:

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Those qualities make Hummels a natural fit for the possession-based game Van Gaal favours. The 26-year-old would also give United what they most: A marquee player at the back.

The club has lacked that since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic aged and began to weaken due to numerous injuries. As a decorated international, Hummels has the pedigree United are looking for at the back.