HUMMELS READY TO SIGN FOR VAN GAAL
MANCHESTER UNITED have finally been given the go-ahead to install Mats Hummels as their defensive linchpin at the end of the season.
Sportsmail understands that, after years of staying loyal to Borussia Dortmund and resisting overtures from United, the Germany centre back has decided he is ready to cut his ties with the fallen Bundesliga giants. He is believed to have set his sights on becoming the latest addition to an expensive United refit under Louis van Gaal. The one stumbling block could be the asking price, with Dortmund willing to grant Hummels’ wish, but only on their terms. They want at least £36million for the 26-year-old and are reluctant to accept less. But Van Gaal is unlikely to be deterred and will urge club bosses to open talks for a defender who has the experience United need. The pursuit of the Dortmund skipper dates back to 2012, when Sir Alex Ferguson attended the German Cup final to watch Jurgen Klopp’s side beat Bayern Munich 5-2. It led to Ferguson launching a bold bid to lure Hummels, Robert Lewandowski and Shinji Kagawa away from the Westfalenstadion. Now there seems little prospect of Champions League football for Dortmund next season and Hummels feels he has remained loyal long enough and is hoping United’s negotiators can come up with a package that will smooth the way for his arrival at Old Trafford.