Liverpool Transfer News: Mats Hummels Considers Move, 'Next Lewandowski' Rumours

Liverpool have been given a potential boost in their reported pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels after the centre-back admitted he has "a big decision" to make on his future this summer. 

Hummels, 27, has just over one season remaining on his current contract at Signal Iduna Park, and he hinted that he is wary of committing himself to another long-term deal with Dortmund, per German outlet Bild (via the Daily Star's Marc Williams):

"

I do not necessarily want [to leave], but I have to make a big decision.

I believe that all parties want to clearly hear the decision before the European Championship.

Now, if I do sign a long-term contract [with Dortmund], I will be 31 or 32 years old at the end of the season. At the moment I do not plan to play until I'm 38.

I want to play a certain kind of football but I also want to win titles. The better the team, the greater the stimulus, to be part of it.

This is not an easy decision and I have been back and forth. I hope that there is at some point a clear direction.

"

Liverpool would seem to have an edge in any transfer battle for Hummels, as Reds manager Jurgen Klopp used to work with the Germany international at Dortmund. 

Per Williams, they will have plenty of competition, as Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with Hummels.

Bundesliga expert Alex Chaffer believes that the Bayern Munich youth graduate wants to move to a club with Champions League-winning aspirations:

Neither Liverpool nor Chelsea will be in Europe's top club competition next season, but United are still in with a chance of qualifying and thus may have the edge in signing Hummels.

Klopp could still play a big role if he can convince Hummels of the project he is spearheading at Anfield. And the German defender would be a brilliant addition to Liverpool's squad.

The Reds defence has been poor for the last few seasons; Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure are simply not good enough for a top Premier League club.

Klopp has already started his back-line rebuild by sealing a deal for Joel Matip, and adding Hummels' vast quality and experience would take the Liverpool defence to another level.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi/Associated Press

Elsewhere, the German manager has reportedly "asked scouts for the lowdown" on Lech Poznan striker Dawid Kownacki, dubbed "the next Robert Lewandowski," per the Mirror.

According to the report, a number of Bundesliga clubs are pursuing the Polish forward after some stellar performances from the 19-year-old this season.

Klopp is eager to add some young blood to his Liverpool squad, as he is also reportedly pursuing Borussia Dortmund 17-year-old Christian Pulisic, per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones:

Favourable comparisons to compatriot Lewandowski indicate that Kownacki could be a serious talent. He has netted six times in 18 Ekstraklasa appearances for Poznan this season, per WhoScored.com.

Having represented Poland at numerous youth levels—including U21s—Kownacki could soon be set for the big time, and a move to Liverpool would represent a major advance in his career.