Although Manchester United’s defence has improved significantly in recent games, the Old Trafford club are widely expected to splash the cash on at least one new centre-half this summer.

An array of names have been linked with Louis van Gaal’s men, with defenders of experience and promise touted on an almost daily basis in the British media.

However, one name that is consistently mentioned as a United target is Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels.

The Germany international World Cup winner has proven himself as one of the most complete centre-halves in the global game and has been a key reason in Dortmund’s rise to prominence in recent years.

Not only is Hummels a dedicated and assured defender, but the German also possess a superb range of passing to launch attacks from deep.

Despite the seemingly constant rumours, now is the time for the Old Trafford outfit to strike, with the 26-year-old admitting that a move away from the Bundesliga would be of interest.

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"Basically ... I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well being,” Hummels told Kicker.

“Eventually, I'd like to leave the Bundesliga.

"I'm being open about this because I'm not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club."

With Dortmund highly unlikely to finish in the Bundesliga top four following a tormented domestic campaign, Hummels will not have Champions League football to call on next season.

The best players want to play in top competitions to test themselves and it appears that Van Gaal’s men will be able to offer him something that the Signal Iduna Park outfit will not next term.

United’s defence has struggled to cope with the departures of seasoned campaigners Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but the signs are there that the Germany international has a combination of the former Red Devils’ pair’s attributes.

His physical presence, dominance in the air and no-nonsense approach would be reminiscent of Vidic. His cultured nature in possession and reading of the game are comparative to Ferdinand in his prime.

There is no doubting the fact that Hummels is one of the best defenders in the world and his capture would be quite the statement by a United side in transition.

At 26, the German is in his prime and could well be a focal point to lead the historic Manchester club back to past glories days and into contention for silverware once more.

There is certainly an argument to suggest that a second new defender may well also be on Van Gaal’s wishlist, but United need to make Hummels their number one priority.

There is no doubting that the Old Trafford outfit would have extreme competition for the German’s signature, but his acquisition could well be the spark the club needs to fire them back amongst Europe’s elite.

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