There was very little doubt that Manchester United would be looking to bolster their defensive strength in the January transfer window. The Red Devils had been time and again linked with Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels. It was believed that with the German struggling this season (4 wins from 17 league games), Louis Van Gaal would make a serious effort to bring Hummels to Old Trafford in the winter transfer market.
Simon Jones of the Daily Mail wrote last week that Dortmund would be desperate to hold on Hummels in January but David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror reported that United would launch a 35m bid for the 26 year old.
However the reputed TMW website from Italy have cited German Media outlet Bild quoting Mats’ father Herman Hummels that hisson won’t be leaving his homeland in January. The report also features a short statement by reputed journalist Alfredo Pedulla who is also of the view that despite the rumours Hummels will not move until the coming summer.
In fact a few days ago another German outlet Record (relayed report by TMW) climed that Arsenal are also interested in Hummels but the defender would prefer joining Manchester United.
Elsewhere, not very far from Dortmund, Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller might leave the Bavarian outfit as per reports from Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star. The report states that “Muller is desperate for a change of scenery and has told his agent to secure him a move away from the Allianz Arena.”
The report also states that it would come as a boost to United and Van Gaal as the Dutchman had previously worked with the 25 year old while in charge of Bayern. Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express had also mentioned a couple of days ago that Muller is a favourite of Van Gaal.
The report however mentions that Muller might be offered to Spanish giants Real Madrid for £45m. Muller though has a contract with Bayern till 2017 but had said in the summer, “It’s no secret that Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players.”
Finally David Lynch of the Manchester Evening News claims that the Red Devils could tempt Italian side Roma to sell Kevin Strootman with a £30m+ bid in the summer. United have received little encouragement for the player they have linked for quite some time now.
The Dutch midfield maestro had earlier missed the World Cup through injury but has now returned to full fitness and was dazzling in Roma’ 2-2 draw with Lazio on Sunday. The old Trafford side believe that Van Gaal’s great relationship with Strootman could seal the deal in their favour in the summer.
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