Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Tells Dortmund He Might Leave

Borussia Dortmund chiefs have confirmed the club has held discussions with Mats Hummels about his long-term future at the club, with Manchester United reportedly his preferred destination should he leave the Bundesliga.

Quotes emerged earlier in the week in which the centre-back claimed he may be interested in a move abroad, per Kicker (h/t Joe Ridge of Mail Online).

Now, speaking with Bild (h/t ESPN FC), Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed player and club have held talks about his position:

"

Mats held talks with me and [sporting director] Michael Zorc 14 days ago, and informed us that he is mulling over his future. That's totally legitimate.

He is under contract until 2017, and we have not received an offer. That's why we are completely relaxed.

"

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Intriguingly, reports in Germany (h/t John Edwards of Mail Online) note Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Hummels in 2012, but the player decided to stay at Dortmund. Encouragingly for United fans, it's claimed the defender "gave his word" to the legendary manager that he would join the Red Devils should he ever move abroad.

Here's why the Old Trafford faithful should be excited by the prospect of Hummels joining the club:

It feels increasingly likely Hummels' storied stint with Dortmund is set to come to an end. He's been an immovable, indomitable figure at the heart of the BVB defence, winning two league titles and a German cup. But after being stripped of some prize assets, the club are now struggling to make it into the Champions League for next season.

As noted by WhoScored.com, Hummels has been a model of consistency for his team:

Indeed, Hummels is a player who has the quality to be playing at the elite level. United's spot in the Champions League isn't secured yet for next season, but if they do qualify, the defender would surely be enticed by the prospect of playing a critical role in expediting their rise back to the summit of English and European football.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

An amicable individual, Hummels won't want to disrespect any Dortmund supporters by pushing for a move. That's something Sport Witness touched upon:

In terms of defensive attributes, Hummels would be a magnificent capture. He is a leader at the heart of the back four for both Dortmund and Germany and is tenacious in the tackle. While he’s not blisteringly quick across the ground, he has razor-sharp instincts to sniff out danger before it manifests into a critical problem.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

In addition, as noted by sports journalist Jonas Giaever earlier this year, Hummels' distribution from deep is incomparable with any defender in the game:

He would make a massive impact at Old Trafford, and while Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore doesn't rate the German quite as highly as many, he feels Hummels is a player who can push United toward major honours again:

One of the pertinent problems with Louis van Gaal's principles being taken to at United is the torturously slow transition from defence into midfield. The Dutchman demands a style that sees his team play out from the back, but so often this season, it's been painfully ponderous and very comfortable for opposition teams to defend against.

While Hummels would help United tighten up at the back, the fact that he can complement those defensive talents with serene, incisive distribution would make an enormous difference to the Red Devils' cause. As such, you suspect there are plenty at Old Trafford hoping the German keeps the promise he apparently made to Sir Alex three years ago.