Louis van Gaal is prepared to pay around €50m to take Mats Hummels to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, according to Germany magazine Sport Bild.
The Dutchman is concerned about the lack of leaders in Manchester United’s defence this season and is in the market to sign a commanding centre half this month.
Though they have been linked with a move for a number of defenders this winter, Van Gaal is prepared to wait until the summer to sign his number one defensive target – which is Hummels.
The former Bayern Munich manager sees in Hummels a commanding presence at the back and believes the German will provide much needed leadership to an uncertain Manchester United rearguard.
The Manchester United boss is prepared to break the bank to get his man and is ready to make a €50m bid for Hummels in the summer.
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The Germany international has so far remained non-committal about his future at Dortmund, but given their struggles this season, it is believed an enticing offer from one of Europe’s heavyweights might tempt him to leave the club.
And with their poor form this term, Dortmund might find it hard to resist a big offer for their defender in the summer, which could provide them the funds to rebuild their team.
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