Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Wants Move, Latest Rumours

Mats Hummels is "ready to cut ties" with Borussia Dortmund and has "set his sights" on a move to Manchester United, according to John Edwards of the Daily Mail.

Edwards believes the Old Trafford club have "finally been given the go-ahead" to launch a bid for the German centre-back, although "one stumbling block" could be his £36 million price-tag. United have the funds and Louis van Gaal is said to have the desire, making such a move possible, per Edwards.

Adding to this, sources have told Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC that Dortmund are "preparing to listen to offers" for the 26-year-old. O'Rourke suggests United will make an approach at the conclusion of the season, which will likely see BVB sell some of their big stars in order to make up for the lack of Champions League football.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Dortmund have endured a difficult campaign, one synonymous with what looked like a relegation battle up until the winter break. Although Jurgen Klopp's men have turned things around in recent weeks and now sit mid-table in 10th, Dortmund are still 12 points behind the Champions League places.

United's defensive problems have been well-documented this season. Van Gaal has continued to shuffle his centre-back pair—or indeed trio when playing three at the back earlier in the campaign—but only in the last two matches have Phil Jones and Chris Smalling shown themselves to be suitable for the job.

One of this duo is likely to be pushed back into a squad role next season, as neither command with the air of a leader. United have the third best defensive record in the Premier League as it stands this season. This has been an oversight for many—the side's play at the back continues to be littered with mistakes—so strengthening is needed.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Alex Dimond recently discussed potential changes across the board:

It would be beneficial for Van Gaal to find a centre-back who possesses decent pace, something Hummels doesn't. United are prone to being caught out when speedy forwards directly isolate one of the defenders, leading to sloppy fouls or errors of judgement. Although Smalling is no slouch, he often lacks the sharpness to anticipate threats before they develop.

Hummels showed his awareness during Saturday's 3-2 win over Hannover, per the Bundesliga's YouTube channel:

Van Gaal will have the money to spend on such a player if certain rumours are to be believed. The Sun suggests Liverpool and Chelsea are in for loan signing Radamel Falcao, per Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4:

This exclusive story is also reported on the newspaper's website by Antony Kastrinakis. Jonathan Green of the Daily Star suggests Angel Di Maria will also move on, having reportedly "asked his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club." Both potential deals would free up considerable funds and wages.

Jon Super/Associated Press

United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday puts them five points clear of their rivals in the race for Champions League places. Although difficult ties with Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal still await, Van Gaal's switch to 4-3-3 has dramatically improved the side's play. It's more intricate, assured and direct—attributes associated with the most successful United teams.

Although there's an awful long way to go before the club will be regular silverware contenders again, spirits appear lifted. Confirming Champions League football remains a difficult task considering the fixtures ahead. Players such as Hummels could rest on such an achievement, however, so the next two months are pivotal in Van Gaal's timeline as United boss.