Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels Rumours

Borussia Dortmund will soon make a decision on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, according to sporting director Michael Zorc. Manchester United fans will surely take this news with anticipation of a high-profile signing after Sky Sports reported the German midfielder is "close" to an Old Trafford move.

Zorc told Kicker (h/t Ben Grounds of the MailOnline) that things aren't so simple, however, saying, "Gundogan's situation isn't straightforward, because his contract expires in 2016. There will be a decision soon."

He also provided comment on Hummels, linked with United, per Grounds' report.

"As far as I know, Hummels' contract still runs until 2017," Zorc said. "We did not receive any offer that we should think about. There will surely be some changes to the team this summer. Maybe more changes than in recent years. But we won't radically change our team."

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Sport Witness provided a screenshot of Zorc's interview:

Both Gundogan and Hummels appear just the fit for United. Manager Louis van Gaal needs a controlling midfielder—someone who can dictate possession and win it back—to lead his central three. Michael Carrick is usually the team's controlling midfielder, but he continues to miss significant playing time through injury. Squawka Football highlighted Carrick's importance:

Defeats to Chelsea and Everton have also reaffirmed fears over United's defence. Injuries to Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have seen Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair line up alongside each other. While McNair performed well against Chelsea, he was easily overpowered during the Toffees loss. A proven leader is needed for all of United's developing centre-backs to learn from.

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Hummels isn't the quickest, but he offers power and assurance on the ball. He is dominant in the air and a smart passer from the back, something Van Gaal undoubtedly wants. Smalling, McNair and Jones have all started to bring the ball upfield in recent weeks, a tactic we would see with greater intensity if Hummels arrives.

Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail believes the Hummels situation will change soon:

Manager Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Dortmund is perhaps speeding speculation along. Van Gaal's team needs to focus on securing a fourth-place finish before it can go about attracting stars of this quality to the Theatre of Dreams.

United could be only four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool by Tuesday night. Players such as Gundogan and Hummels, who could headline the summer transfer market with a big move, will no doubt be watching to see if UEFA Champions League football is secured.