Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels, Memphis Depay Lead £70M Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will reportedly launch a £70 million assault to sign three players this summer: Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, PSV Eindhoven's Memphis Depay and Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

This story comes courtesy of James Ducker of The Times, who believes United will bid "in excess of £25 million" for Hummels, a player who could be set to follow Jurgen Klopp out of the Westfalenstadion door in the summer. Ducker notes Van Gaal is "optimistic" of landing Depay and Clyne, with the trio "likely to cost a combined fee of up to £70 million."

Jon Super/Associated Press

Interestingly, former United defender Gary Neville believes the club are three players away from mounting a serious Premier League title challenge. However, the Sky Sports pundit would prioritise a new midfielder over a right-back, reported by Richard Innes of the Mirror:

"

I don’t think this summer is a case of United rebuilding or total restructure of the squad. They need to continue to improve in two or three positions: a central defender, a midfielder and a winger.

It is a case of trading well, rather than wholesale buying. I don’t expect another £150million spend. I don’t think it is required.

"

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Van Gaal recently admitted that both he and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward started their preparations for next season in January, a decision brought on by the club's second consecutive pre-season trip to the United States. David McDonnell of the Mirror relayed Van Gaal's comments:

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Already in January [we began thinking about the 2015-16 season] because we have to prepare our pre-season and Manchester United will go to America.

The aim is of course that we have to train and not only to play matches. Already for three or four months we are talking about our pre-season. We also think about the scouting of players, the scouting of our own players because we have a lot on loan and then we have to analyse their performances, so it’s a lot of work.

It’s not only the present season but also what we have to decide for players next season.

"

United fans are familiar with Hummels, Depay and Clyne being linked to the club. These aren't new rumours, but as the current season has rolled on, the deals have made increasing sense.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Red Devils' defensive troubles have been well-documented, though there has been an upturn in form in recent weeks.

A combination of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo isn't enough to win the Premier League. Although Hummels may not be the answer by himself, he is a leader who could instantly improve United's distribution and dominance at the back.

Clyne would slot in well on the right, and the Southampton man is still heading toward his peak. He has proved to be extremely ambitious this season, working Saints' right wing with the intention of contributing to all phases of play. Clyne is more reliable than Rafael and would allow Antonio Valencia to return to a more advanced position.

Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated Press

Depay is perhaps the most exciting prospect reportedly on United's radar, having scored 19 goals to make himself the leading marksman in this season's Eredivisie. A rapid winger by trade, Depay is versatile and already well-versed in working under Van Gaal, who employed him as an impact substitute for the Netherlands throughout the 2014 World Cup.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently discussed exactly how United can become title contenders:

With Van Gaal's preparations for next season well underway, supporters will be hoping major business can be completed quickly. United are eight points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool heading into Saturday's trip to Chelsea, a match in which anything other than a loss would be deemed a success.

If the correct personnel are brought in during the summer, United may next season be travelling to Stamford Bridge knowing a win would put them in contention for the title.