According to reports from talkSPORT, star defender Mats Hummels could hand in a transfer request at Borussia Dortmund.
Louis van Gaal’s desire to add a world-class centre-back to Manchester United’s squad is no great secret and the Germany international has been his priority target in that regard since taking the Old Trafford helm two summers ago.
The Dutchman tried to sign the 26-year-old immediately after he lifted the World Cup with Germany in summer 2014, viewing his ball-playing expertise, proven quality and vast experience as integral assets to United’s backline, but Hummels snubbed an Old Trafford move in favour of accepting the Black-Yellows’ captaincy.
Van Gaal revived his interest during the previous transfer window, after Dortmund failed to qualify for the Champions League and resultantly parted with manager Jurgen Klopp, but the 6 foot 3 defender once again elected to stay on at Westfalenstadion.
But United may finally be about to receive some luck in their arduous, long-term pursuit of the Franz-Beckenbauer-esque centre-half amid reports that he could hand in a transfer request at Dortmund. Hummels is believed to have fallen out with Klopp’s successor Thomas Tuchel.
A transfer request seems a drastic step considering how committed Hummels is to the Dortmund cause, as he has proved during the last two summers. But his contract expires at the end of next season and that, combined with his reported disillusionment under Tuchel, could instigate an abrupt departure.