Manchester United Transfer News: Marco Reus Contract Sparks Mats Hummels Rumours

It's an interesting question for Manchester United fans to ponder. Will you still regret missing out on Marco Reus if it helps the club sign Mats Hummels instead?

An answer may be forthcoming as soon as the summer transfer window if the latest reports prove accurate. Reus has officially agreed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club confirmed the news, along with the length of the new agreement, via its official Twitter feed:

The new deal officially takes Reus out of United's reach, per Manchester Evening News reporter Simon Bajkowski. Yet Reus staying put doesn't have to be a precursor of gloom at Old Trafford.

It could actually prompt the sale of Dortmund's quality centre-back Hummels. At least, that's the view of Manchester Evening News writer Samuel Luckhurst.

At the moment though, this just reads like a theory. Luckhurst has cited the recent pattern of Dortmund's summer transfer policy as reason for optimism regarding Hummels: "Since their breakthrough 2011 Bundesliga title win, Dortmund have sold an influential player in every summer."

Luckhurst suggests Hummels will be next, with United ready to bid £47 million for one of its prime targets from last summer. That's a steep figure, but one Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal may feel justified in spending if it means finally landing a focal point for his inconsistent defence.

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United have leaned on youngsters such as Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett at the back during this season. Van Gaal has also suffered through the continued growing pains and lacklustre performances of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans.

While the United back line has improved in recent weeks, the club still need a talisman in defence. Hummels could certainly be that player.

He's quick, combative in the air and adept in possession. The latter quality would suit Van Gaal's preference for having his teams build via passing from the back.

That's probably why United's interest hasn't ceased since last summer. In fact, the club even considered a late, mega-money bid toward the end of the winter transfer window, according to ESPN FC reporter Miguel Delaney.

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United need Hummels, but the club never really needed Reus. Van Gaal has to be able to fashion a potent attack from a group containing Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Adnan Januzaj and Juan Mata.

But he doesn't have a Hummels in this squad. If landing the real deal comes from Reus choosing to stay in the Bundesliga, United won't be disappointed by Reus' decision.