United linked with big-money January move.
Manchester United could break the British record transfer fee for a defender as they pursue Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels this January, according to the Guardian.
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The German international has long been linked with a move to United and other top clubs after establishing himself as one of the world’s best centre-backs during his time at Dortmund.
Hummels has won two Bundesliga titles with the club, as well as helping Germany to a victory in this summer’s World Cup, and a player of his pedigree looks exactly what is required at Old Trafford at the moment.
Louis van Gaal is short of quality options at the back after losing veteran pair Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the summer, while injuries have also hampered his side’s progress this season.
Hummels would not be a cheap signing by any means, and it is thought that he could break the current £32m record fee for a defensive signing in English football, which Manchester City paid to bring in Eliaquim Mangala from Porto this summer.
United have money to spend and mostly focused on new attacking players in pre-season, but defence is now understood to be a priority for van Gaal.