Manchester United Transfer News: Koke Targeted, Latest on Mats Hummels Rumours

Manchester United are on the trail of Atletico Madrid's classy midfielder Koke, while they have also received a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

According to Marca (via Lee Thomas-Mason of Metro), United have "knocked on the door of Koke and Atletico Madrid" over a possible switch to Old Trafford, but Atletico would only be obliged to accept the offer if the Red Devils match the Spaniard's £46 million release clause.  

Despite the signings of Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria, United are still short of the creativity they boasted in midfield during the heady days of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

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Koke is just the man to bridge that gap.

The 23-year-old is not a natural goalscorer and has only managed four in all competitions this season, but he has chipped in with an outstanding total of 14 assists, per WhoScored.com.

Further, according to Squawka, Koke has created 61 chances this season—10 more than Di Maria, United's top player in this regard—and he also made 63 tackles, demonstrating the bite in his game.

Bleacher Report's Tim Collins notes the extra dimension Koke brings to Atletico's midfield:

However, the playmaker has insisted he is staying at the Vicente Calderon. Per AS (via ESPN.co.uk), he said: "Yes, I will play here [at Atletico] next season."

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If Louis van Gaal shows his commitment to signing Koke by matching the £46 million clause, the temptation of moving to United could prove too much.

Hummels Set for Move?

A longer-term target for United is Hummels.

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According to Reuters (via The Economic Times), Dortmund's CEO has confirmed he expects two players to depart the Westfalenstadion: "Last year one player left (Robert Lewandowski), this year it is probably two. Everything else is still open."

Such a comment will raise hopes at Old Trafford that Hummels will prove to be one of those two departees this summer.

As reported by DW Sports, Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp believes Hummels would be a suitable fit at Old Trafford:

The World Cup winner would be an excellent addition to the Red Devils' back line.

The German international has won 43 tackles and 133 aerial duels in the Bundesliga this season, per Squawka, which is made even more remarkable by Dortmund's disappointing domestic form.

Hummels is a significant upgrade on the central options currently available to Van Gaal, and at 26, he is only just approaching his peak.

Capturing Hummels would be a big step towards a title challenge next season.